Scams in the United Kingdom

Use UK-specific reporting and recovery guidance after a suspicious contact, payment or identity exposure.

Contact your provider without delay

Call 999 for immediate danger and use 101 for non-emergency police contact where appropriate. If you have paid or disclosed banking details, contact the bank or payment provider through the number on your card, statement or official website. Do not use the number in the suspicious message.

Report suspected fraud

For England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report to Report Fraud. In Scotland, use Police Scotland. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and suspicious texts to 7726. Investment or financial-service scam concerns can be checked and reported through the FCA.

Be careful with bank-transfer and recovery claims

UK payment protections vary by payment type, date and circumstances. Ask your provider about the relevant options promptly and use the FCA or Financial Ombudsman information for current rules. Be wary of anyone who guarantees a refund or claims to recover money for a fee.

Common patterns

HMRC/government and bank impersonation, copycat government services, fake investment offers, phishing, scam calls and fraudulent advertisements all require a fresh official verification route.