Where do I report fraud in the UK?

Report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk) as the central fraud reporting centre. Also report to your bank if money is involved, and to specific regulators — FCA for investment fraud, HMRC for tax scams. Action Fraud passes cases to police for investigation.

What is Action Fraud UK?

Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud reporting centre run by the City of London Police. All fraud reports go through them and are assessed by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. Cases are then referred to local police forces for investigation based on solvability and impact.

Does reporting fraud to Action Fraud actually do anything?

Reports feed into national intelligence and help identify crime patterns. Individual cases may or may not be investigated depending on severity and evidence. Even if your case isn't investigated, reporting helps police understand fraud trends and catch organised criminals.

How long does fraud investigation take UK?

Varies significantly. Simple cases may be closed quickly if evidence is limited. Complex cases can take months. You'll receive a crime reference immediately, and Action Fraud advises you about progress. Bank investigations are separate and typically faster (usually within 15 days for initial response).

How to Report Fraud UK — Complete Reporting Guide | PocketWise

Knowing where to report fraud helps recover money and catch criminals. Here’s how to report effectively.

Where to Report

Primary Reporting

Type of Fraud	Report To
All fraud	Action Fraud
If money lost from account	Your bank
Ongoing fraud	Police (999 if happening now)

Additional Reports

Fraud Type	Also Report To
Investment fraud	FCA
Phishing emails	[email protected]
Scam texts	Forward to 7726
Tax scams (HMRC impersonation)	[email protected]
Fake websites	NCSC
Data breach	ICO

Reporting to Action Fraud

How to Report

Method	Details
Online	actionfraud.police.uk
Phone	0300 123 2040
Hours	24/7 online, phone Mon-Fri 8am-8pm
Accessibility	Textphone, interpreter services

Information to Have Ready

Category	Details Needed
What happened	Full description
When	Dates and times
How	Method used
How much	Amount lost
Who	Suspect details if known
Evidence	Screenshots, emails, messages

What You’ll Get

Outcome	Details
Crime reference number	Immediately
Confirmation email/letter	For records
Case assessment	By NFIB
Updates	If case progresses

What Happens Next

Stage	What Occurs
Report logged	In national database
Assessment	Solvability and impact
Referral	To local police if viable
Investigation	If approved
Resolution	Varies by case

Reporting to Your Bank

When to Contact

Situation	Urgency
Unauthorised transaction	Immediately
Money sent to scammer	Immediately
Account compromised	Immediately
Suspicious activity	Same day

What to Tell Them

Information	Why Needed
What happened	Full account
Transaction details	Dates, amounts, references
How it happened	Method
What you’ve done	Already reported?

Bank Fraud Lines

Bank	Number
Barclays	0800 400 100
HSBC	0800 783 8330
Lloyds	0800 072 8805
NatWest/RBS	0800 161 5149
Nationwide	0800 030 4057
Santander	0800 171 2171
TSB	0800 096 8669

Use number on your card — not one given by a caller.

Bank Investigation Process

Stage	Timeline
Report received	Day 1
Initial response	Within 15 days
Investigation	Varies
Final response	Within 35 days (extendable)
Provisional refund	Often while investigating

Reporting Specific Fraud Types

Investment Scams

Report To	Details
Action Fraud	All cases
FCA	fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam
Bank	If money sent

Phishing

Type	Report To
Emails	[email protected]
Texts	Forward to 7726
Calls	0300 123 2040
Websites	NCSC (ncsc.gov.uk)

Identity Theft

Report To	Purpose
Action Fraud	Crime report
Credit agencies	Add fraud markers
CIFAS	Protective registration
Affected companies	Close fraudulent accounts

Online Marketplace Fraud

Report To	Purpose
Action Fraud	Crime report
Platform (eBay, Facebook, etc.)	May refund/ban seller
Bank	If paid by them
Trading Standards	Consumer protection

Getting Money Back

Unauthorised Transactions

Requirement	Bank Should
You didn’t authorise	Refund promptly
Unless gross negligence	On your part
Timeline	Usually within days

Authorised Push Payment Fraud

If You Transferred Money	Options
Report immediately	Better chance of recovery
Bank contacts receiving bank	To freeze funds
CRM code	Many banks signed up
Refund possible	Case-by-case

If Bank Refuses Refund

Step	Action
1	Ask for written reasons
2	Make formal complaint
3	Wait 8 weeks or final response
4	Complain to Financial Ombudsman
5	FOS can order refund

Documenting Fraud

What to Keep

Evidence	Why
Screenshots	Of messages, websites
Emails	Original headers
Bank statements	Transaction proof
Phone records	Call history
Correspondence	With scammers
Crime reference	From reports

How to Document

Method	Tips
Screenshots	Include dates/times
Save emails	Don’t just forward
Written timeline	Chronological
Contact log	Every call, outcome

Summary: Fraud Reporting Checklist

Immediate Actions

Priority	Action
1	Stop any ongoing activity
2	Contact bank if money involved
3	Report to Action Fraud
4	Change compromised passwords
5	Gather evidence

Report To

Always	Action Fraud
If money from account	Your bank
If investment	FCA
If phishing email	[email protected]
If scam text	Forward to 7726

Information to Have

Category	Details
Description	What happened
Timeline	When things occurred
Amounts	How much lost
Method	How scam worked
Evidence	Screenshots, messages

After Reporting

Action	Why
Keep crime reference	For all future contact
Follow up with bank	Ensure investigation
Monitor accounts	For further issues
Check credit file	For identity fraud

Key Contacts

Service	Contact
Action Fraud	0300 123 2040
Phishing emails	[email protected]
Scam texts	7726
FCA	0800 111 6768
Financial Ombudsman	0800 023 4567

Reporting fraud is important even if you think nothing will happen. Every report builds intelligence that helps catch criminals and protect others. Report quickly — especially to your bank — to maximise chances of recovery.