When you’ve fallen victim to a scam, the last thing you probably want is yet more stressful and overwhelming processes to follow. The reality is that the UK does have a rather confusing number of different organisations to contact depending on the type of scam - but taking the right steps to report it can help recover losses and protect others.
Step 1: Stop and protect yourself
If you've been scammed, your first step is to stop any further payments. Contact your bank immediately to block the scammer's access to your accounts. Many banks provide a dedicated fraud number - simply call 159 or use the phone number on the back of your bank card to report suspicious activity.
Step 2: Report the scam to Action Fraud
For most scams, the main point of contact in the UK is Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report scams online through their website or call their helpline at 0300 123 2040. If you’re in Scotland, report the scam directly to Police Scotland by calling 101.
Step 3: Report specific types of scams
Depending on the nature of the scam, you may need to report it to specific organisations:
Phishing or suspicious emails:
Forward phishing emails to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk. They will investigate and take steps to remove malicious websites or emails.
Suspicious text messages:
You can forward scam texts to your mobile provider for free by texting 7726.
Financial scams:
If the scam involves investments, pensions, or insurance, report it to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) by calling 0800 111 6768.
Step 4: Report to Trading Standards
If the scam involves a business or consumer rights issue, such as a misleading advert or counterfeit goods, you can report it to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice. They will forward the report to the relevant local authority, which may take legal action against the scammer.
How Ask Silver makes reporting easier
With so many different agencies and authorities to contact about different types of scam, it’s perhaps no wonder that only 13% of scams are reported. But the WhatsApp-based scam checking tool Ask Silver can make things easier. By sending a single message, you can ask Silver to report the scam to relevant agencies on your behalf, helping to keep everyone safer. It’s a simple way to ensure the scam is brought to the attention of the right people without the hassle of navigating the reporting process alone.
However choose to report the scam that you have fallen victim to, remember that you have the power to take control. Reporting scams gives you a chance to recover any losses you have incurred, ensure that justice is done, and help protect others from falling into the same trap.
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
