If you’ve been a victim of an online scam in the UK, knowing where and how to report it is crucial — both for your own potential recovery and to help protect others. This guide covers every reporting channel available to UK residents, from Action Fraud to your bank’s fraud department.
Action Fraud — UK’s National Fraud Reporting Centre
Action Fraud is the primary place to report fraud and cybercrime in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Report online at actionfraud.police.uk (24/7) or call 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm). Reports are sent to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), which analyses data and passes viable cases to local police forces. When reporting, gather: dates and times of the scam, any correspondence (emails, messages, screenshots), financial details (amounts, payment methods, bank details), website URLs or social media profiles used by the scammer, and any reference numbers from platform reports.
In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101 or online at scotland.police.uk.
When to Contact the Police Directly
Contact 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency) if: you feel threatened or in danger, the scam involves physical threats, you know the identity of the scammer, the crime is still in progress, or there’s a risk to children or vulnerable adults.
Bank and Financial Reporting
If you’ve lost money, contact your bank’s fraud department immediately. Under the Contingent Reimbursement Model Code (CRM Code), major UK banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, and others) may refund Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud. For credit card payments over £100, you’re protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. For debit card payments, request a chargeback through your bank. Act quickly — the sooner you report, the better your chances of recovery.
Platform-Specific Reporting
Facebook: Click the three dots on the scam content → Report → Scam or fraud. Instagram: Tap three dots → Report → It’s a scam. WhatsApp: Open chat → tap contact name → Report contact. Email phishing: Forward to report@phishing.gov.uk. SMS scams: Forward to 7726 (SPAM). Suspicious websites: Report to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.
Other UK Resources
Citizens Advice: 0808 223 1133 (free) for guidance on your consumer rights. Financial Ombudsman Service: If your bank refuses a refund, escalate to the FOS. Trading Standards: For scams involving goods or services, report to your local Trading Standards office. Victim Support: 0808 168 9111 (free, 24/7) for emotional support after being scammed.