You've spotted a scam, or been caught by one. Reporting it feels like shouting into the void, but it isn't: reports get scam websites taken down, block the numbers and email addresses behind them, and help the police join the dots. The hard part is knowing who to tell. Here's one page with all of it.
First: if you've lost money
- Ring your bank straight away. Dial 159 from your phone (it connects you safely to most UK banks) or use the number on the back of your card. The sooner they know, the better your chance of stopping payments and getting money back. Our bank scam guide explains the reimbursement rules.
- Report it to the police. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland that's Report Fraud (the service that replaced Action Fraud), online or on 0300 123 2040, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm. If you can't hear or speak on the phone, use Relay UK: 18001 then 0300 123 2050. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
- Change any passwords you gave away, and turn on 2-step verification. If you think your phone itself was involved, see how to tell if your phone has been hacked.
If you haven't lost anything, you don't need to ring anyone. Just use the right quick route below.
Where to report, by type of scam
Scam emails
Forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk. That goes to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which can block the sender and take down the websites the email links to. Then delete it. More in our scam email guide.
Scam texts
Forward them free to 7726. Your network uses these to block the sender. It's easy to remember: 7726 spells “SPAM” on a keypad. You can also block the number; see how to block a number.
Scam websites
Use the NCSC's report a scam website form. It takes about a minute. The NCSC can't tell you the outcome, but it acts on reports and works with hosting companies to take sites down. Our scam website guide helps you check a site before you buy.
Scam adverts online
Report them to the Advertising Standards Authority using its report an online scam ad form. The ASA shares reports with the big social media platforms and ad networks so the adverts are taken down, and passes them to the NCSC. You won't get a personal reply. It's also worth reporting the ad on the platform itself (Facebook, Instagram, Google and so on).
Fake HMRC emails, texts and calls
- Emails: forward to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
- Texts: forward to 60599 (normal network charges apply).
- Phone calls: use HMRC's online reporting form on GOV.UK. Real HMRC emails only come from addresses ending in hmrc.gov.uk.
Scam post
Royal Mail runs a scam mail line: 0800 011 3466, or email scam.mail@royalmail.com. Fake “missed delivery” texts are texts, not post, so forward those to 7726.
Investment, pension and crypto scams
Report to Report Fraud first (0300 123 2040), then to the Financial Conduct Authority on 0800 111 6768 or its online form. The FCA is clear that it can't get your money back, but it looks into every report. Before investing with anyone, check them on the FCA Firm Checker.
Nuisance and scam calls
- Sales calls you've opted out of: register free with the Telephone Preference Service, then complain to the ICO if they keep coming. See our TPS guide.
- Scam calls: hang up, then report to Report Fraud (or Police Scotland on 101). If they got money or details, ring your bank on 159 first.
Doorstep, phone and postal scams: advice
The Citizens Advice consumer helpline can advise you and pass the details to Trading Standards: 0808 223 1133 (England), Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or its online scam report form. Welsh speakers can use 0808 223 1144. In Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.
Who to tell: the short list
- Lost money: your bank on 159, then Report Fraud (0300 123 2040) or Police Scotland (101)
- Email: report@phishing.gov.uk
- Text: 7726
- Website: the NCSC's report a scam website form
- Advert: the ASA's scam ad form, and the platform
- HMRC: phishing@hmrc.gov.uk or text 60599
- Post: Royal Mail, 0800 011 3466
- Investments: Report Fraud, then the FCA on 0800 111 6768
- Advice: Citizens Advice, 0808 223 1133
A word on being scammed
Scams are designed by professionals to catch sensible people on a busy day. Being caught says nothing about you. Reporting it quickly is the best thing you can do, for your own chances of getting money back and for the next person they try it on.