Online Scams & Fraud in the United Kingdom (UK)

With the UK being continuously targeted by scammers, residents now have more channels to report scams. The government, plus other stakeholders are joining forces to aid the fight against scams.

Despite the heightened efforts to raise awareness about scams and fraud, the UK is still losing billions of pounds to scammers who continue to design new and cunning tactics. With over € 3 billion lost in the previous year, perhaps more due to underreporting, more needs to be done to spot these scams.

Read on to find out more about how you can report scams in the UK and how to get support if you fall for one.

Scam Statistics in the UK

The key statistics on online fraud in the UK, according to the Global Anti Scam Alliance.

The figures in the table will differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.

Where Can I Report a Scam in the UK?

If you are a victim of fraud or cybercrime in the UK, these are some of the places where you can report your case;

• ActionFraud- Those living in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland can report a scam by dialing 0300 123 2040 while those in Scotland can do so by calling 101.
• Citizens Advice- You can also report a scam here where they gather all the information and pass it to the Trading Standards for further action. 
• National Trading Standards eCrime Team (NTSeT)- They not only monitor and investigate scams, but they also offer tips on how best to avoid scams.
• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC): The NCSC provides guidance on cybersecurity and may be interested in reports of cyber-related incidents.
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): If the scam involves financial services or investments, you can report it to the Financial Conduct Authority. 

How to Report a Scam in the UK

Reporting a scam is crucial. At the moment, only 7% of all scams are reported. As a result, only 0.05% of all cybercriminals are caught. Reporting online fraud is not only essential if you want to try and get your money back. It is also needed to help law enforcement fight scammers better.

• Gather info: Collect all information about the suspected fraud including the name, telephone, key web pages, emails, IP address, and any other information relevant. This is needed to file a complete report.
• Report the incident: Always report to your local law enforcement and note the file number they might provide for your fraud report for future reference.
• Stop the Money: Report the incident to the financial institution that transferred the money such as your bank, Paypal, credit card company, or the Internet payment service provider.
• Protect yourself: Scammers often contact you again. Sometimes with the same scam. Sometimes to help you “recover your money”. Consider changing your email address/phone number. Also, install the ScamAdviser browser extension to warn you of scams.

Our article “How and Where to Report a Scam” gives you more detail and tips on how you can best report online fraud.

Scam Victim Support in the UK

There are several safe spaces you can turn to if you are in need of support or if you have fallen victim to scams. Here are some of them;

• Victim Support- They offer confidential support services and you can reach out to your local support team or by calling them at 08 08 16 89 111.
• Samaritans- Get in touch with them if you are feeling overwhelmed by scams through their confidential phone number at 116 123.

How to Check for a Scam in the UK

Of course, you can always check for scams on ScamAdviser.com. However, there are several other sources where you can check if a website is registered as a company and if it can offer financial, gambling, or other regulated services as well.

• Financial Conduct Authority- Using their ScamSmart, you can check for investment scams.
• The British Chambers of Commerce- You can check out the organization which brings on board a wide range of businesses across several sectors, for business-related fraud.
• The Company House- Here you can check if a business is registered, its location, and its officials. However, keep in mind that scammers can also have all this and still rob you. Read more about it here. 

Anti-Scam Organizations & Consumer Authorities

There are other organizations that are devoted to fighting scams and helping consumers use the internet safely. Here are some of them;

• Get Safe Online- This public-private sector partnership is supported by organizations in banking, retail, internet security, and other sectors and promotes safe internet usage.
• Stop Scams UK- It's popular thanks to the popular 159 phone number which people can report scams to.
• The National Cyber Security Centre- This was established a few years ago with the aim of making the UK  live and work online.
• Friends Against Scams- With over 1 million registered users, this organization seeks to raise awareness about scams either through face-to-face or online sessions. 
• CIFAS- A 500-member non-profit organization that works to identify financial crime and combat fraud, including internal fraud, in both the corporate and public sectors.

Popular Scams in the UK

Disaster Relief Scams

With natural calamities occurring more frequently, there has been an increase in scammers who want to take advantage of the situation. Most scammers pose as legit charity organizations with thriving social media presence. If you reach out, they send a link to a website where you are supposed to send your generous contribution. In real sense, they will not only take your money but also steal your credit card and banking information for use in social engineering schemes. 

To avoid falling victim, it's best to check that the charitable organization is registered by the Charity Commission, which requires every organization with over £5,000 to be registered. It's also prudent to avoid clicking on links you find lying around and only visit the websites you have personally verified.

Scam News From the UK 

• 3 in 10 families in the UK have lost money to internet scams
• UK government publishes Fraud Strategy: Stopping Scams and Protecting the Public
• Eight in 10 scams come from Mark Zuckerberg’s platforms, says TSB
• Warning issued to WhatsApp users over account takeover scam
• Fraud targeted thousands across the UK and abroad

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