How do I report a scam to Action Fraud in the UK?
Report to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. They are the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Action Fraud is run by the City of London Police and serves as the central reporting point for fraud in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You can report online 24 hours a day at actionfraud.police.uk or speak to a specialist adviser over the phone. Scotland uses a separate system: report to Police Scotland by calling 101.
When you report, you will be given a crime reference number. This is important for insurance claims, bank disputes, and follow-up investigations. You will also be passed to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), which analyses reports and disseminates intelligence to police forces most likely to take action.
For reports involving significant losses or an ongoing scam, also contact your bank's fraud team immediately. Many UK banks participate in the Faster Payments repatriation scheme and can sometimes recover money if you act within 24 hours. The Financial Ombudsman Service can adjudicate if your bank refuses to reimburse you.
Consumer scams such as fake goods, subscription traps, or misleading adverts can also be reported to Citizens Advice or Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline. These bodies handle civil rather than criminal matters.
Common red flags
- You were contacted out of the blue and pressured to act fast
- A seller or buyer insisted on unusual payment methods
- A company asked for upfront fees to release a prize or inheritance
- A romance contact asked for money before meeting in person
- An investment platform made it impossible to withdraw funds
- Your bank account or personal details were used without your permission
What to do now
- Report at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040
- Save your crime reference number
- Contact your bank's fraud team as soon as possible
- Report to Citizens Advice for consumer or trading issues
- Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication on accounts
- Visit /report-a-scam for a full UK reporting checklist
Frequently asked questions
Will Action Fraud investigate my case directly?
Action Fraud collects and passes reports to the NFIB, which routes them to police forces. Most cases are not investigated individually, but your report contributes to intelligence that leads to larger investigations.
Can I report a scam to Action Fraud if I am not in the UK?
Action Fraud only covers England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. If you are overseas and targeted by a UK-based scam, you can still report but your case may be lower priority.