Reporting Fraud and Economic Crime
How to report fraud, scams, and financial crime in England & Wales.
Prezentare generală
Fraud is the UK's most common crime. If you are a victim of fraud — including online scams, identity theft, investment fraud, or banking fraud — you should report it to Action Fraud (the national fraud reporting centre). For ongoing fraud or if you are in immediate danger, call the police on 999 or 101. Your bank may refund fraudulent transactions under the Contingent Reimbursement Model Code or the Payment Services Regulations 2017.
Proces pas cu pas
Report to Action Fraud
Report online at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Action Fraud is the central reporting point for fraud and cybercrime. You will receive a crime reference number.
- Report even if the amount is small — it helps identify patterns
- Keep all evidence: emails, texts, bank statements, screenshots
Contact your bank
If money has been taken from your account, contact your bank immediately. Under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, your bank must refund unauthorised transactions unless you acted with gross negligence. For authorised push payment (APP) fraud, the voluntary CRM Code may provide a refund.
- Act fast — the bank may be able to recover funds
- Request a refund under the CRM Code if you were tricked into making a payment
Report to other agencies if appropriate
Report phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Report scam websites to the National Cyber Security Centre. Report investment fraud to the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).
- Check the FCA register to verify if a firm is authorised
- Forward scam texts to 7726
Consider civil action
You may be able to bring a civil claim against the fraudster for recovery of your money. Freezing injunctions and tracing orders can preserve assets. Consult a solicitor specialising in fraud litigation.
- Apply for a freezing injunction before alerting the fraudster
- Criminal and civil proceedings can run in parallel
Costuri
Avertismente importante
Never send money to someone who contacts you unexpectedly, even if they claim to be from your bank or a government agency.
Your bank must refund unauthorised transactions unless you were grossly negligent.
Be wary of 'recovery fraud' — scammers who contact fraud victims offering to recover their money for a fee.