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Money · the UK
Updated September 2026

💳 I was scammed online — who do I report it to?

Direct answer

Three things, in this order: (1) call your bank the moment you notice — a transfer can sometimes still be recalled within 24 hours, and a card payment charged back. (2) Report it to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) so there is an official record; you need the reference number for your bank and insurer. (3) Tell Citizens Advice consumer helpline (0808 223 1133) so the pattern gets flagged and others are warned. Keep every screenshot, the account number or IBAN you paid, and the seller's profile before you block them.

Call firstAction Fraud
Report toCitizens Advice consumer helpline
If that failsYour bank — call 159

🗣️ What to say

"I paid €… on [date] to [IBAN / card / platform] for [what]. I now believe this was fraud: [why]. I want to recall or dispute the payment and I need a case reference for the police report."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Stop all contactDo not pay "release fees" or "taxes" to get money back — that is the second scam. Screenshot the ad, profile, chat and payment first, then block.
  2. Call your bankAsk for a SEPA recall (transfer) or a chargeback (card). The sooner, the better; after 24 hours a transfer is usually gone.
  3. Report to Action FraudOnline where possible. Keep the reference number — your bank, insurer and the platform will ask for it.
  4. Warn Citizens Advice consumer helplineThe national fraud point logs the seller, phone number and IBAN so the next person gets a warning.
  5. Tell the platformReport the account on the marketplace or app so it is removed. Some platforms have buyer protection if you paid through them.

📇 All contacts

Action FraudNational fraud reporting centre (England, Wales, NI); Scotland: Police Scotland 101Always — you need the crime reference for the bank📞 0300 123 2040🔗 www.actionfraud.police.uk
Citizens Advice consumer helplineAdvice, reports to Trading StandardsFor what to do next and to report the trader📞 0808 223 1133🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer
Your bank — call 159Stop Scams UK line, connects you to your bank's fraud teamImmediately after paying📞 159🔗 stopscamsuk.org.uk/159

❓ Frequently asked

Will I get my money back?

Sometimes. A card payment can be charged back for weeks; a bank transfer only if the money has not left the receiving account, which is why the first hour matters. Cash, crypto and gift cards are gone.

Is it worth reporting a small amount?

Yes. Scams are prosecuted on volume: your report links to hundreds of others with the same IBAN or number. The reference is also what your bank needs.

I gave them my ID or bank details — what now?

Tell your bank, change passwords, enable two-factor login, and report identity misuse to Citizens Advice consumer helpline. Watch your statements for months.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-27

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🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

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