When a fraudster rings you, it's natural to want to do something about it. The right place to report depends on what happened: whether you lost money, whether it was a text or a call, and where in the UK you live. This guide sets out who deals with what.
If you've lost money or shared bank details: your bank first
Before anything else, call your bank. Use the number on the back of your card or dial 159, which connects you safely to most UK banks and building societies. Tell them exactly what happened. The faster they know, the better the chance of stopping a payment or freezing the account it went to. Ideally, call from a different phone to the one the scammer used.
Reporting the crime
England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Action Fraud
Action Fraud is the national centre for reporting fraud and cyber crime. You can report online or by calling 0300 123 2040. You'll be given a crime reference number, which your bank may ask for.
Scotland: Police Scotland
In Scotland, report fraud directly to Police Scotland on 101, or 999 if a crime is happening right now.
Scam texts: forward to 7726
Forward any scam text to 7726 (it spells SPAM on an old keypad). It's free on all major UK networks. Your network will reply asking for the number the text came from, and it uses the reports to block numbers and links.
Scam calls: tell your network
Most networks also let you report a scam call by texting "Call" followed by the number to 7726. Check your network's website for its current method, as these services are still being rolled out and vary between providers.
Nuisance sales calls: the ICO
If a company keeps calling with sales pitches when you've registered with the Telephone Preference Service or told them to stop, report it to the Information Commissioner's Office. The ICO can fine companies that break the rules on marketing calls.
Silent and abandoned calls: Ofcom
Calls where nobody speaks, or where a recorded message says the caller will "try again later", are often caused by automated dialling systems. Ofcom collects complaints about these.
Warn other people: rate the number
Official reports go into databases the public can't see. To warn the next person who gets the call, look the number up on Who Called Me Check and rate it as Scam or Spam, adding a short note about what the caller said. You don't need to give your name.
Quick reference
- Lost money or gave details: your bank (159 or the number on your card).
- Fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland: Action Fraud, 0300 123 2040.
- Fraud in Scotland: Police Scotland, 101.
- Scam text: forward to 7726.
- Unwanted sales calls: the ICO.
- Silent calls: Ofcom.
- Warn others: rate the number on Who Called Me Check.
Not sure about a call you had?
Look the number up to see what kind of line it is, where it's from and what other people said about it.