How to Report a Scam in the UK

If you have been targeted by a scam, reporting it quickly can help protect your money and stop others falling victim. The right place to report depends on where you live and what kind of scam it is, so this guide brings the main routes together in one place.

In this insight, we explain exactly how and where to report a scam in the UK, including scam texts, phishing emails, and what to tell your bank.

---

Key Takeaways

• In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report fraud and scams to Action Fraud; in Scotland, report to Police Scotland.
• Forward suspicious texts to 7726 and suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, both of which are free.
• If money has left your account or your bank details are exposed, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card.
• Acting fast improves the chance of recovering money and helps authorities track down those responsible.

---

Where to Report a Scam First

If you have lost money or shared sensitive details, contact your bank straight away, then report the scam to the relevant national body. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland that is Action Fraud; in Scotland it is Police Scotland.

Speed matters. The sooner your bank knows, the better the chance of freezing a transfer or protecting your account, and the sooner you report, the more useful the information is to investigators.

Reporting Fraud: Action Fraud vs Police Scotland

Where you report depends on where you are in the UK.

• England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Report to Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report online or by phone on 0300 123 2040. Action Fraud does not investigate every case individually, but reports feed into a national picture that helps police act.
• Scotland: Action Fraud does not cover Scotland. Report scams and fraud to Police Scotland by calling 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress or you are in immediate danger.

If you are ever unsure or feel at risk, 999 is always the right call for an emergency.

Reporting Scam Texts and Phishing Emails

Two simple, free tools let you report the most common scam messages:

• Scam texts: Forward the message to 7726 (which spells "SPAM" on a phone keypad). Your mobile network uses these reports to block scam numbers.
• Phishing emails: Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, run by the National Cyber Security Centre. This helps get fraudulent websites taken down.

Scam messages often impersonate delivery firms, banks or Government departments. If you have received a delivery-themed message, our guides on the IPS delivery scam and similar tricks explain how they work and what to watch for.

If Your Bank Details or Money Are Involved

If you have paid a scammer or shared banking details, act quickly:

1. Call your bank using the number on the back of your card, and explain what has happened. Ask them to check for fraudulent activity and, where possible, stop any pending payments.
2. Ask about the reimbursement rules. Banks operate schemes to reimburse many victims of authorised push payment scams; your bank can explain how to claim.
3. Consider registering with CIFAS. CIFAS runs a Protective Registration service that flags your details so lenders take extra steps to verify applications made in your name, which can help if you fear identity fraud.

If you are worried that criminals now have your account details, our guide on whether it is safe to share your sort code and account number explains what those details can and cannot be used for.

If Your Identity May Be at Risk

Scams sometimes lead to identity theft, where fraudsters use your personal information to open accounts or take out credit. If you think someone is misusing your details, our guide on what to do when someone is using your name and address fraudulently sets out the steps to take, including checking your credit report and registering with CIFAS.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have been scammed on Facebook Marketplace. Where do I report it?

Report it to the platform first, then to Action Fraud (or Police Scotland if you are in Scotland). For a full walkthrough, see our guide on what to do if you get scammed on Facebook Marketplace.

Will I get my money back if I report a scam?

Not always, but reporting improves your chances. Many banks reimburse victims of authorised push payment scams, so contact your bank quickly and ask how their reimbursement process works.

Is reporting to 7726 and report@phishing.gov.uk really useful?

Yes. These reports help networks block scam numbers and get fraudulent websites removed, protecting other people even if your own case is not investigated individually. Both are free to use.

What is the difference between Action Fraud and the police?

Action Fraud is the national reporting centre for fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, feeding intelligence to police forces. In an emergency, or in Scotland, you contact the police directly (101, or 999 in an emergency).

Final Thoughts

Being scammed can be distressing, but reporting it quickly protects both your money and other potential victims. Contact your bank first if money is involved, then report through Action Fraud or Police Scotland, and use 7726 and report@phishing.gov.uk for scam messages.

This is general information rather than personal advice. If you are affected by fraud, contact your bank and the relevant reporting body straight away, and consider free support from Citizens Advice.