How do I report a scam that happened while I was abroad?
Report to local police abroad for a crime reference, then file with your home country's agency (FTC, Action Fraud, ACCC) and contact your bank as soon as you return or have connectivity.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Scams targeting tourists and travellers include fake tour operators, currency exchange fraud, rigged casino games, spiked drink theft, and online fraud that is technically based overseas but targets you from home. The appropriate reporting channels depend on where the fraud occurred and who perpetrated it.
For in-person scams abroad, report to local police at the nearest station, even if you need a translator or the police report is in the local language. Many countries issue tourist police reports for exactly this purpose. This report is essential for insurance claims and may contribute to local investigations.
On return, file with your home reporting agency (FTC, Action Fraud, or ACCC). These agencies can share intelligence with overseas counterparts through Interpol and bilateral agreements. For scams involving UK tour operators or travel agents, report to ABTA and ATOL even if the fraud occurred in another country.
For financial fraud — fake money exchanges, credit card skimming, or online fraud attributable to an overseas actor — contact your bank and card issuer immediately. Card network chargeback processes apply across borders. Your travel insurer may also cover scam losses depending on your policy.
Common red flags
- You were approached by someone offering an unusually good exchange rate
- A local 'guide' offered a private tour that ended at a shop where you were pressured to buy
- A casino or card game used sleight of hand to manipulate the outcome
- Your card was taken away for payment and returned but charges appeared later
- A fake ticket seller provided tickets that turned out to be counterfeit
- A taxi driver took a long route and charged far above the normal fare using a manipulated meter
What to do now
- Get a police report from local authorities before leaving
- Contact your bank and card issuer about any suspicious transactions
- File with the FTC or Action Fraud on return
- Claim on travel insurance if your policy covers fraud losses
- Report to ABTA or ATOL if a UK travel company was involved
- See /scams/travel-scams for common tourist fraud patterns
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth reporting a scam abroad if the amount was small?
Yes. Tourist-targeted scams are often run systematically by the same individuals. Local police collect these reports for patrol and investigation purposes even when individual losses are modest.
Can I get travel insurance reimbursement for a scam?
Policies vary widely. Mugging and robbery are typically covered; voluntary payment under deceptive circumstances may or may not be. Read your policy's definitions of theft, fraud, and loss carefully, and report to police regardless to support any claim.