Act quickly
Falling victim to a scam can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to do next is crucial. Acting quickly and following the right steps gives you the best chance of recovering stolen funds and protecting yourself in the future.
Time is crucial when dealing with financial scams. Take immediate action if you think you’ve been scammed to minimise further damage.
If you’ve shared personal information, contact your bank or building society right away to report the fraud and freeze your accounts.
If scammers have posed as someone you trust, such as a family member or adviser, let them know in case their identity has been stolen.
If the scam involved theft of your identity, consider contacting credit reference agencies like Experian or Equifax to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This makes it harder for fraudsters to open accounts in your name.
Gather evidence
Collect as much documentation as you can to support recovery efforts. This might include:
- Emails, texts or correspondence from the scammer
- Any contracts, marketing material or website details they sent
- Bank statements showing suspicious activity
- Fake invoices or payment requests
Keep detailed notes and be cautious not to click on suspicious links.
Report the scam
- Reporting fraud ensures you get the right support and helps prevent others being targeted.Report to the police if money has been stolen or if you’re being threatened.
In England or Wales, report scams to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
If phishing or malware is involved, alert the online platform or service provider.
Always inform your bank, building society or financial institution so they can secure your accounts, attempt to reverse fraudulent transactions, and guide you on next steps.4. Seek support
Fraud is not just financially damaging, it can also affect your wellbeing.
Reach out to family, friends, or support organisations such as Victim Support.
Professional advisers and lawyers can guide you on recovering funds.
Many charities also provide free or low-cost services for scam victims.5. Stay vigilant
Scammers often target victims more than once, sometimes pretending to be a recovery service offering to get your money back for a fee.
Protect yourself by:
- Educating yourself on common fraud tactics
- Using strong, unique passwords
- Monitoring your accounts regularly
- Verifying the legitimacy of requests before sharing personal details or making payments
Final Thought
Recovering from a financial scam is challenging, but it is possible. Acting quickly, reporting to the police and your bank, and seeking support all help to limit damage and prevent future attempts.
If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud, contact the police immediately. Suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk and suspicious text messages to 7726 for free.
For more information about scams, visit www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 5/9/25
