Guides5 min read24 June 2026
How to Report a Scam in the UK: A Complete Guide
Knowing where to report a scam can help you recover money, protect others, and bring fraudsters to justice. This guide covers every reporting channel available in the UK.
Reporting a scam is one of the most important things you can do — not just to potentially recover your own money, but to protect others and help law enforcement build cases against fraudsters. Many people feel embarrassed about being scammed and do not report it, which means fraudsters continue operating. This guide covers every reporting channel available in the UK.
Report Fraud
In England and Wales, Report Fraud is the national service for reporting fraud and cyber crime. You can report online or call 0300 123 2040. Check the official service for the current reporting process and the information you may need to provide.
Your Bank
If you have transferred money to a scammer, contact your bank immediately. APP reimbursement protections have specific scope, timing, and exceptions; check the Payment Systems Regulator guidance rather than relying on a general rule of thumb.
Reporting Channels by Scam Type
| Scam Type | Where to Report |
|---|---|
| Phishing emails | report@phishing.gov.uk (NCSC) |
| Scam texts | Forward to 7726 (free) |
| Scam calls | Ofcom via ofcom.org.uk |
| Fake websites | NCSC via ncsc.gov.uk/report-a-scam-website |
| Investment fraud | FCA via fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam |
| Social media scams | Report directly on the platform, then Report Fraud |
Citizens Advice Scams Action
Citizens Advice runs a Scams Action service that provides free, confidential advice to scam victims. Call 0808 250 5050 (free). They can help you understand your options and support you through the reporting process.
After Reporting
Keep a record of everything: screenshots, transaction references, phone numbers, and email addresses. This evidence is crucial for any investigation or bank reimbursement claim. You may not hear back immediately — fraud investigations take time — but your report contributes to the broader effort to combat fraud in the UK.
Before reporting, check the scammer's details with ScammersCheck to gather additional evidence for your report.
Check anything suspicious instantly
Paste a phone number, URL, email address, or suspicious message — get an input-aware risk indicator with transparent evidence and limitations. No signup required.
Check Now — It's Free