How to Report Fraud in the UK (and Claim Your Money Back)
Report fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, and know your rights: since October 2024 UK banks must reimburse most scam victims up to GBP 85,000 within five business days.
Quick answer: Report fraud to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 (Scotland: 101) and contact your bank now. Since October 2024, UK banks must reimburse most scam victims, up to £85,000.
Reclaim it in 3 steps
- Tell your bank now. This starts the reimbursement clock and lets them try to recall the payment.
- Report to Action Fraud. Online at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 (in Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101).
- Escalate if refused. If your bank won’t reimburse what you’re owed, take it free to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
How the refund works
Under the Payment Systems Regulator’s mandatory reimbursement rules, if you’re tricked into authorising a payment to a fraudster, your bank must usually refund you up to £85,000 within five business days (or 35 days if it needs to investigate), subject to a small excess. It covers Faster Payments and CHAPS.
What to have ready
- The amount, date and reference of each payment
- Who you paid — account name, sort code, or the platform used
- Emails, texts and screenshots of the approach
Frequently asked questions
What number do I call to report fraud in the UK? Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (Scotland: 101).
Will my bank refund a scam? In most authorised-push-payment cases since October 2024, yes — up to £85,000, usually within five business days.
What if my bank refuses? Escalate free of charge to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Sources
For step-by-step reporting and recovery guides covering other countries, see our cybercrime help hub.