How to report fraud and scams in the UK: official channels

If you have been hit by fraud — lost money, or received a suspicious email, call or text — the UK has a separate official channel for each situation. Here is where to report, what happens after you file a report, and the free numbers worth saving in advance.

Where to report fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

The main national reporting service is Report Fraud, online at reportfraud.police.uk or by phone on 0300 123 2040. On 4 December 2025 it replaced the former Action Fraud: anyone searching for how to report fraud is now sent to the new service. You can report online at any time of the day or night, and the service covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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What happens after I file a report?

You receive a police crime reference number. The service passes your report to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, the police unit that brings reports together to spot organised scams. The service itself does not investigate individual cases and cannot advise you on how your own case is progressing — reports are used to warn others and disrupt fraud networks.

What if I live in Scotland?

In Scotland you report to Police Scotland on 101, the single non-emergency police number, rather than to Report Fraud. If a crime is happening right now or you are in danger, call 999, the emergency number.

Where do I send a suspicious email, text or advert?

Each type of scam has its own free channel:

• Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. They are examined by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
• Forward suspicious text messages for free to the short code 7726 — the message goes to your mobile network provider.
• Report scam or misleading online adverts to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA); if the advert appeared in a search engine, report it to Google or Bing.

What should I do if someone calls claiming to be my bank?

If you get an unexpected call about a financial matter and are asked to move money, read out app codes or install software, hang up and dial 159. This is the short number run by Stop Scams UK: it connects you directly and safely to your own bank and, according to the organisation, reaches more than 99% of UK retail bank current accounts. The number 159 cannot be spoofed or impersonated. Participating banks include Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, Nationwide, Monzo and Starling. If money has already gone, call your bank straight away.

How do I check a firm or investment before paying?

Check suspicious investment offers through the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The regulator keeps a Warning List of firms and individuals running scams or operating without authorisation, and a Firm Checker at fca.org.uk/consumers/fca-firm-checker. Match the firm reference number (FRN) and the contact details against the checker. The FCA consumer helpline is 0800 111 6768, which is also where you report an unauthorised firm. Never click links in emails or on the company's own website — only use the regulator's official address.

Save these numbers in advance: 0300 123 2040 (report fraud), 159 (reach your bank), 7726 (forward a suspicious text) and report@phishing.gov.uk (forward emails). The sooner you report, the better the chance of stopping a payment and protecting other people.