How to Report a Scam in the UK: Complete Guide 2026

If you have been targeted by a scam or have already lost money, acting quickly and reporting to the right organisation is essential. This guide walks you through every reporting channel available in the UK and explains which one to use depending on your situation.

Step 1: Contact Your Bank Immediately

If you have transferred money to a scammer or shared your banking details, your first call should be to your bank. Most UK banks are signed up to the Contingent Reimbursement Model Code, which means you may be eligible for a refund if you acted reasonably.

• Call the number on the back of your bank card straight away.
• Alternatively, dial 159, the Stop Scams UK helpline. This connects you directly to your bank's fraud team and works with most major UK banks including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest and Santander.
• Ask them to freeze the transaction and begin a fraud investigation.
• Request a reference number for your records.

Step 2: Report to Action Fraud

Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, run by the City of London Police. You should report all scams to Action Fraud, even if you did not lose money.

• Online: Visit actionfraud.police.uk and use the online reporting tool (available 24/7).
• Phone: Call 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm).
• You will receive a crime reference number, which your bank may need for their investigation.

Step 3: Report to the Relevant Regulator

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

If the scam involved an investment opportunity, pension scheme, loan offer or insurance product, check whether the firm is authorised on the FCA Register. Report unauthorised firms to the FCA via their online form or by calling 0800 111 6768.

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

If you have received unsolicited marketing calls, texts or emails that may be part of a scam, report them to the ICO. They regulate how personal data is used in the UK and can take enforcement action against companies misusing your information.

Ofcom

Ofcom regulates telecoms in the UK. If you have received a scam call from a spoofed number or through a phone network, you can report nuisance calls to Ofcom. They work with providers to block fraudulent numbers.

Step 4: Forward Scam Messages

• Scam texts: Forward to 7726 (spells SPAM on a keypad). Your mobile provider will investigate.
• Scam emails: Forward to report@phishing.gov.uk, the National Cyber Security Centre's suspicious email reporting service.
• Scam websites: Report to the NCSC at ncsc.gov.uk/report.

Step 5: Get Support

Being scammed can be distressing. You do not have to deal with it alone.

• Citizens Advice: Free, impartial guidance on your rights and next steps. Visit citizensadvice.org.uk or call 0800 144 8848.
• Victim Support: Emotional support and practical help available at victimsupport.org.uk or on 0808 168 9111.
• Age UK: Specialist help for older people targeted by scams. Call 0800 678 1602.

Why Reporting Matters

Many people do not report scams because they feel embarrassed or believe nothing will happen. In reality, every report helps. Action Fraud passes intelligence to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, which identifies patterns and helps police disrupt criminal operations. Your report could prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

The more people report, the better the data available to law enforcement and regulators. Even if your individual case is not investigated, the intelligence you provide is valuable.