If you have been a victim of fraud, there is a network of support and information available to you. Sometimes people choose not to report fraud or seek advice because they are embarrassed that they fell for a scam, con, swindle, or any other word used to describe the crime.
Remember that fraud is a crime and that fraudsters will constantly reinvent themselves to find new ways of tricking people. Anyone could be a victim.
First steps
The first thing you should do if you’ve been a victim of fraud is to contact Action Fraud. You can report a fraud via our online fraud reporting tool, or by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
If there is a crime being committed right now or if you are in danger you should call the police on 999.
If debit or credit cards, online banking or cheques are involved, your first step should be to contact your bank or credit card company.
Read more about reporting a fraud to Action Fraud.
Ongoing support
When you report a fraud to Action Fraud, you are given the option for your contact details to be passed on to Victim Support, a national charity that helps those affected by crime. If you take up this option, you will then be contacted by someone from the charity and offered free and confidential emotional support and practical help.