Report fraud and scams

If you have been a victim of a scam or fraud
Please remember that you have not been targeted personally. Scam letters, emails, telephone calls and faxes are sent out in their thousands daily to individuals and companies worldwide.

If you have been a victim of fraud, please report it online or by phone to Action Fraud.
Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud reporting centre and the place for you to report fraud and scams, or to get advice if you're not sure what to do.

How to contact Action Fraud:

Online: complete the online reporting form at Action Fraud online

By phone: call 0300 123 2040

You'll be given a crime reference number and your case will be referred on to the police force that

investigates fraud.

Action Fraud is available 24 hours a day.

Why contact Action Fraud?

Sometimes people choose not to report fraud because they are embarrassed that they fell for a scam.
Remember that fraud is a crime and that fraudsters will constantly reinvent themselves to find new ways of tricking people. Anyone could be a victim.

Some people also think that fraud is a victimless crime, or that it's not as serious as other crimes. This is not true. Fraudsters are often part of serious organised criminal gangs, who use the money to fund other crimes such as human trafficking, illegal firearms trade and terrorism.

Fraudsters rely on silence. We can beat fraud if we talk.

Top 5 tips to prevent fraud

1. Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials.

2. Many frauds start with an email. Remember that banks and financial institutions will not send you an email asking you to   click on a link and confirm your bank details. Always question whether an email could be bogus.

3. Destroy and preferably shred receipts with your card details on and post with your name and address on. Identity fraudsters don't need much information in order to be able to clone your identity.

4. If you have been a victim of fraud, be aware of fraud recovery fraud. This is when fraudsters pretend to be a lawyer or a law enforcement officer and tell you they can help you recover the money you've already lost.

5. To report fraud or if you need advice, visit Action Fraud's website.

Visit Action Fraud's website for more information, including advice and information about fraud.​