Protecting Yourself from Scams and Fraud UK How to Report Fraud UK — Complete Reporting Guide Where and how to report fraud in the UK. Reporting to Action Fraud, banks, police, and other organisations. What happens after you report.
By James Whitfield
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24 March 2026
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Last reviewed: 28 September 2026
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4 min read Start here: Scams and Fraud Hub .
Knowing where to report fraud helps recover money and catch criminals. Here’s how to report effectively.
Where to Report Primary Reporting Type of Fraud Report To All fraud Action Fraud If money lost from account Your bank Ongoing fraud Police (999 if happening now)
Additional Reports Reporting to Action Fraud How to Report Method Details Online actionfraud.police.uk Phone 0300 123 2040 Hours 24/7 online, phone Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Accessibility Textphone, interpreter services
Category Details Needed What happened Full description When Dates and times How Method used How much Amount lost Who Suspect details if known Evidence Screenshots, emails, messages
What You’ll Get Outcome Details Crime reference number Immediately Confirmation email/letter For records Case assessment By NFIB Updates If case progresses
What Happens Next Stage What Occurs Report logged In national database Assessment Solvability and impact Referral To local police if viable Investigation If approved Resolution Varies by case
Reporting to Your Bank Situation Urgency Unauthorised transaction Immediately Money sent to scammer Immediately Account compromised Immediately Suspicious activity Same day
What to Tell Them Information Why Needed What happened Full account Transaction details Dates, amounts, references How it happened Method What you’ve done Already reported?
Bank Fraud Lines Bank Number Barclays 0800 3891 652 HSBC 0800 783 8330 Lloyds 0800 917 7017 NatWest/RBS 0800 161 5149 Nationwide 0800 030 4057 Santander 0800 313 4321 (freephone) or 0330 9 123 123 TSB 0800 096 8669
Use number on your card — not one given by a caller.
Bank Investigation Process Stage Timeline Report received Day 1 Initial response Within 15 days Investigation Varies Final response Within 35 days (extendable) Provisional refund Often while investigating
Reporting Specific Fraud Types Investment Scams Report To Details Action Fraud All cases FCA fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam Bank If money sent
Phishing Identity Theft Report To Purpose Action Fraud Crime report Credit agencies Add fraud markers CIFAS Protective registration Affected companies Close fraudulent accounts
Online Marketplace Fraud Report To Purpose Action Fraud Crime report Platform (eBay, Facebook, etc.) May refund/ban seller Bank If paid by them Trading Standards Consumer protection
Getting Money Back Unauthorised Transactions Requirement Bank Should You didn’t authorise Refund promptly Unless gross negligence On your part Timeline Usually within days
Authorised Push Payment Fraud If You Transferred Money Options Report immediately Better chance of recovery Bank contacts receiving bank To freeze funds CRM code Many banks signed up Refund possible Case-by-case
If Bank Refuses Refund Step Action 1 Ask for written reasons 2 Make formal complaint 3 Wait 8 weeks or final response 4 Complain to Financial Ombudsman 5 FOS can order refund
Documenting Fraud What to Keep Evidence Why Screenshots Of messages, websites Emails Original headers Bank statements Transaction proof Phone records Call history Correspondence With scammers Crime reference From reports
How to Document Method Tips Screenshots Include dates/times Save emails Don’t just forward Written timeline Chronological Contact log Every call, outcome
Summary: Fraud Reporting Checklist Priority Action 1 Stop any ongoing activity 2 Contact bank if money involved 3 Report to Action Fraud 4 Change compromised passwords 5 Gather evidence
Report To Always Action Fraud If money from account Your bank If investment FCA If phishing email report@phishing.gov.uk If scam text Forward to 7726
Category Details Description What happened Timeline When things occurred Amounts How much lost Method How scam worked Evidence Screenshots, messages
After Reporting Action Why Keep crime reference For all future contact Follow up with bank Ensure investigation Monitor accounts For further issues Check credit file For identity fraud
Service Contact Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 Phishing emails report@phishing.gov.uk Scam texts 7726 FCA 0800 111 6768 Financial Ombudsman 0800 023 4567
Reporting fraud is important even if you think nothing will happen. Every report builds intelligence that helps catch criminals and protect others. Report quickly — especially to your bank — to maximise chances of recovery.
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