Scam Message Checker

Report a scam in United Kingdom

Use the official channels below. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.

Emergency number: 999 - for immediate danger only.

Report scam texts: Forward suspicious texts to 7726.

Report phishing email: Forward phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.

If money is involved: Call the number on the back of your card; you can also call 159 to reach your bank securely.

Police advice: Call 999 in an emergency, or 101 for non-emergencies. Report fraud to Action Fraud.

Evidence to save:

Save screenshots, sender numbers or emails, transaction references, and any links - without reopening them.

What not to do:

Do not pay 'recovery' fees, do not share more codes or details, and do not act on follow-up 'fraud team' messages.

Beware of recovery scams: no official body charges an upfront private fee to recover lost money.

How to report in United Kingdom

Online scams & fraud: use the fraud or consumer-protection authority above. Describe what happened and include your evidence (screenshots, dates, amounts, references).

Cybercrime (hacking, account takeover): file with the national cybercrime portal or police cyber unit listed above.

Scam texts & calls: Forward suspicious texts to 7726.

Bank & payment scams: Call the number on the back of your card; you can also call 159 to reach your bank securely.

If you sent money: contact your bank or payment provider right away, save all evidence, and report to the authority above. The faster you act, the better the chance of recovery.

If you shared ID or KYC documents: watch for identity theft, consider a credit freeze or fraud alert where available, and follow the shared-ID recovery guide.

Stay safe while reporting

  • Do not use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message.
  • Search for official authorities independently and type the address yourself.
  • Report quickly if money was sent or ID documents were shared.

Common scams in United Kingdom

  • HMRC and DVLA/parcel (Royal Mail) smishing
  • Bank 'safe account' push-payment scams
  • Delivery redelivery-fee scams
  • Investment and romance scams

Not sure if a message is a scam?

Check it first to see the red flags and what to do.

Check a message

Helpful next steps

Frequently asked questions

How do I report a scam in United Kingdom?

Use the official authorities listed on this page. If money is involved, contact your bank first, then file a report with the fraud or cybercrime authority.

Can I get my money back?

Sometimes, if you act quickly through your bank. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee - that is a recovery scam.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03. Always confirm links on the official site.

Found an outdated official link? Tell us so we can review it.

Get scam safety updates

Practical scam alerts, new examples, and simple safety tips. No spam. No sensitive message data.

We only collect your email address, optional name, consent status, signup page, and signup time. See our privacy policy.