Fraud can happen to anyone - do not be too embarrassed to report if you have been conned or tricked out of money or your personal data. Reporting fraud can prevent other people from becoming their victims.
Report Fraud
Report Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre. Report all types of fraud to them whether or not you report it to another agency such as Trading Standards or your bank. Including if you have been the victim of attempted fraud or cybercrime, your personal data has been compromised or you have been hacked. This ensures that all frauds can be recorded and assessed, and help identify offenders.
Report cyber crime and fraud
You can also report to Report Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm. If you are calling from abroad please call +44 300 123 2040.
Your bank
If you think someone is calling to trick you into giving them money or your personal details, stop, hang up, and call 159. This is a secure service that connects you directly with your bank. Check if your bank uses the 159 service.
If you have made a payment in response to a scam, contact your bank as soon as possible as they may be able to recover some of your money and will refund you in certain circumstances.
Report a phishing attempt
Trust you gut if you get an email that doesn't look right. Clicking on a malicious message, could send you to a dodgy website which could download viruses onto your computer, or steal your passwords. Report emails, texts, websites, adverts or phone calls that you think are trying to scam you here.
Smishing
SMS and phishing is known as 'smishing'. If you have received a suspicious text message you can forward it from your phone free of charge by sending it to 7726. This enables your provider to identify the origin of the text and take action.
Phishing
If you have received a suspicious email that you’re not quite sure about, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) report@phishing.gov.uk . It will go to the National Cyber Security Centre who will analyse the suspect email and any websites it links to and use any additional information you’ve provided to look for and monitor suspicious activity.
If you think you may have lost money to fraud as a result of phishing you should also report this to Report Fraud.
Citizens Advice
If you need further advice, contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. The helpline adviser can:
- give you practical and impartial advice on how to resolve your consumer problem
- tell you the law which applies to your situation
- pass information about complaints on to Trading Standards (you can’t do this yourself)
More information here.
Royal Mail
If you receive written correspondence you believe to be from fraudsters, you can forward it to Royal Mail with a covering letter to: Freepost Scam Mail, Exeter EX1 9UN. You can also email scam.mail@royalmail.com or call 0800 011 3466.