How to report a scam

If you've been scammed or seen something suspicious, it's really important that you report it. Reporting will help the police to track down the scammers responsible and protect other people from being scammed. It can also help you to access support and potentially recover any losses.

Before reporting a scam

It's a good idea to write down the details of what happened before reporting a scam.

Remember to include:

  • who you've been speaking to, for example names, numbers and addresses
  • what makes you suspicious
  • any personal information you've shared such as passwords or bank details
  • if you've paid any money and how

Report a scam

To your bank

Let your bank know immediately if you've lost money or think a scammer has access to your bank account. They can help to protect your account and stop any suspicious payments. They might also be able to help get your money back.

Make sure you contact them on a trusted number such as the one on the back of your bank card. If you're not sure of the right number, call 159 to be automatically connected to your bank's fraud prevention service.

To Action Fraud

Action Fraud is the National Reporting Centre for Fraud and Cyber Crime. You can report scams to them:

To Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice will pass your report on to Trading Standards, who will decide whether to investigate and take legal action against the scammers.

You can report scams to them:

To relevant organisations

If an organisation's name was falsely used in a scam, for example an energy or pensions provider, contact them to let them know. You should also report any online scams to the platform where they happened such as Amazon or Facebook. They can investigate to help shut down the scam.

You can find an organisation's contact details on their official website. Check it's a secure site by looking for ‘https' at the beginning of the web address. Some web browsers also have a small padlock symbol in the address bar when the site is secure. Find out more about online safety.

Report something suspicious

If you've seen something suspicious – but not responded, shared personal details or lost money – you should still report it.

Visit the government's Stop! Think Fraud campaign website for information about how to report anything suspicious and who to.