How do I report a scam to my bank?
Call the fraud number on the back of your card or in your banking app immediately. The sooner you call, the better the chance of stopping or reversing a fraudulent payment.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Your bank or building society has a dedicated fraud team that operates around the clock. Look for the fraud contact number on the back of your debit or credit card, in your mobile banking app under 'Security' or 'Help,' or on the official website. Do not use a phone number given to you by the scammer, and do not call back a number that appeared on your screen during a suspicious call.
When you speak to the fraud team, explain that you believe you have been scammed. They will review the transaction, potentially place a hold on your account, and begin an investigation. Under rules in the UK and many US states, banks have specific obligations to investigate fraud claims within defined timeframes. In the UK, the Authorised Push Payment (APP) reimbursement rules require most banks to refund victims of bank transfer fraud up to defined limits.
Gather everything before you call: the date and amount of each transaction, the account or reference number you sent money to, screenshots of conversations, and any emails or texts related to the scam. The more detail you provide, the stronger your chargeback or reimbursement case.
If you paid by credit or debit card, you may also be able to raise a chargeback claim through your card network. For credit card purchases over a certain amount in the UK, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act gives you a legal right to a refund from the card issuer as well as the retailer.
Common red flags
- You were persuaded to transfer money to a 'safe account'
- A caller impersonated your bank and asked you to confirm a one-time passcode
- You paid an invoice that turned out to belong to a fraudster
- A recurring payment appeared on your statement that you did not authorise
- Your card details were used for purchases you did not make
- You received a refund into your account that you did not request
What to do now
- Call your bank's fraud line immediately using the number on your card
- Tell them the payment was made under false pretences
- Request a freeze on the destination account if possible
- Raise a chargeback if you paid by card
- File a police report or contact Action Fraud / the FTC for a crime reference
- Visit /recovery for a full timeline of steps
Frequently asked questions
How long does a bank fraud investigation take?
In the UK, banks must resolve most fraud claims within 15 business days, or up to 35 days in complex cases. In the US, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act requires banks to investigate and resolve claims within 10 business days for most transactions.
What if my bank refuses to refund me?
In the UK you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service. In the US you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state banking regulator.