Reporting Fraud and Economic Crime
How to report fraud, scams, and financial crime in England & Wales.
Overview
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.
Who Can Use This Process
- 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.
Step-by-Step Process
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
Costs
Important Warnings
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.
Useful Links
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the reporting fraud and economic crime process take?
- The end-to-end timeline depends on which stage you're at. Common steps run on these timeframes: "As soon as possible"; "Immediately"; "As needed"; "As advised by solicitor". Add court / counterparty response time on top — disputed matters can run months longer than the bare minimum.
- How much does it cost?
- Main outlays are: Reporting to Action Fraud — Free; Bank fraud claim — Free; Civil claim solicitor — Varies; conditional fee arrangements may be available. Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.
- What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
- Watch out for: 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.. If you're unsure on any of these, get advice from a regulated solicitor or a free service like Citizens Advice before acting.
- Where can I find the official forms and guidance?
- The official sources are: Action Fraud; FCA Warning List; NCSC Report Phishing. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.
- Can I do this myself without a solicitor?
- Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.