Finance

How to report a financial scam in the UK?

Alex Walia

June 15, 2026

One Min Read

If you have been the victim of a financial scam in the UK, it is important to act quickly:

1. Contact your bank or payment provider immediately
   • Inform them about the scam.
   • Ask them to stop or reverse any payments if possible.
   • Request that they monitor your account for suspicious activity.
2. Report the scam to Action Fraud
   • Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
   • Provide as much information as possible, including dates, amounts, account details, emails, messages, and any evidence you have.
3. Report it to the police if necessary
   • If you are in immediate danger or the fraud is linked to another crime, contact the police directly.
4. Preserve evidence
   • Keep copies of emails, text messages, social media messages, receipts, bank statements, screenshots, and any correspondence with the scammer.
5. Check your credit record
   • If personal information has been stolen, monitor your credit file for suspicious activity or accounts opened in your name.
6. Report related issues
   • If the scam involved investment fraud, notify the relevant financial regulator.
   • If it involved a fake website, email, or text message, report those through the appropriate reporting channels.

Information to include in your report

• Your contact details.
• Date and time of the scam.
• How the scam occurred.
• Amount of money lost.
• Details of the person, company, website, phone number, or account involved.
• Copies of any supporting evidence.

Reporting a scam quickly increases the chances of limiting financial loss and helps authorities investigate and prevent further fraud.