How to Report to Report Fraud: What Happens Next
If you have been a victim of fraud, an online scam, or a cyber crime, or you think someone has tried to defraud you, Report Fraud is where to report it. This guide explains how to make a report, what information to have ready, and what happens after you submit.
If you are in immediate danger
Report Fraud is for reporting purposes only: it does not respond to live emergencies. If a crime is in progress or you are in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency local police, call 101.
How to Report to Report Fraud
Online (recommended)
Use the online reporting tool at reportfraud.police.uk. Available 24/7. You will receive a crime reference number immediately. Allows you to upload evidence (screenshots, emails).
By phone
Call 0300 123 2040. Lines are open Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm. Useful if you find online forms difficult, or if your situation is complex.
Text relay
If you have a speech or hearing impairment, call 18001 0300 123 2040 using text relay.
What to Have Ready Before You Report
The more detail you can provide, the more useful your report is to investigators. Gather as much of this as possible before you start:
What Happens After You Report
Crime reference number
You receive this immediately. Keep it: you will need it to add information or follow up.
Report analysis
Your report is reviewed and assessed to see whether it can be linked to known offenders or patterns.
Police referral
If your report is part of a wider pattern or involves high financial harm, it is referred to the relevant police force for investigation.
You may be contacted
If an investigation proceeds, a police officer or fraud team may contact you for further information. This can take weeks or months.
Also Contact Your Bank
If any money has been taken or your bank details have been compromised, contact your bank immediately; do not wait until after you have reported to Action Fraud.
Banks can freeze accounts, stop outgoing transfers, and in some cases recover funds, but speed matters. Use the fraud number on the back of your debit or credit card, or your bank's app fraud reporting feature.
Prevent the next attack. Free security check.
Cyber Nova AI gives you a personalised security checklist to close the gaps that make fraud and cyber attacks more likely. Create a free account and know exactly where you stand.
Start for free →Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is Report Fraud?
Report Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, and replaced Action Fraud in December 2025. It is operated by the City of London Police and receives reports on behalf of all UK police forces. Report Fraud passes reports on for analysis to identify crime patterns and refer cases to police forces for investigation.
What happened to Action Fraud?
Action Fraud was replaced by Report Fraud in December 2025. If you try to use the old Action Fraud website you'll be redirected to reportfraud.police.uk. The phone number, 0300 123 2040, is the same.
Will Report Fraud investigate my case?
Report Fraud does not investigate cases itself: it collects reports and passes them on for analysis. That analysis identifies the highest-harm offenders and refers cases to police forces for investigation. Not every report leads to a police investigation, but every report contributes to intelligence that can stop future crimes. If you are in immediate danger or a crime is in progress, call 999.
How long does it take to get a response from Report Fraud?
Report Fraud will send you a crime reference number immediately after you report online or by phone. This confirms your report has been received. For most cases, you will not hear further unless your report contributes to a wider investigation. If you need to add information to your report later, you can use the crime reference number to do so.
Should I also report to my bank?
Yes, always report to your bank immediately if money has been taken or you believe your account details are compromised. Banks have fraud teams that can freeze accounts, stop transfers, and sometimes recover funds. Report to Report Fraud AND your bank: these are separate reports for separate purposes. Do not wait for Report Fraud to tell you to contact your bank.