How to Report Cybercrime and Fraud to Action Fraud
Action Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, operated by the City of London Police and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB). Reporting to Action Fraud creates an official crime record, gives you a crime reference number, and contributes to national intelligence used to investigate and disrupt fraud networks. This guide explains when to report, how to do it, and what to expect.
When to Report to Action Fraud
Report to Action Fraud if:
- You've been a victim of online fraud, phishing, or financial scam
- Someone has used your identity to commit fraud
- You've received a credible phishing email or scam text (if no financial loss, you can also forward to NCSC)
- Your business has been targeted by invoice fraud, ransomware, or CEO fraud
- You've been a victim of romance fraud or investment fraud
Report to your local police (999 or 101) instead if:
- You are in immediate danger
- A crime is in progress
- You know who committed the crime and they are in the UK
How to Report Online
The fastest and most detailed way to report is online:
- 1Go to actionfraud.police.uk
- 2Click "Report a fraud"
- 3Create a free account or continue as a guest
- 4Complete the report form — you'll need: dates, amounts, account details, screenshots if available, and any contact details you have for the scammer
- 5Submit — you'll receive a Police National Computer (PNC) crime reference number by email
Allow approximately 20–30 minutes for a thorough report.
How to Report by Phone
Call 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm). Staff will take your report over the phone and issue a crime reference number. This route is useful if you are not comfortable completing the online form.
What Happens After You Report
Your report goes to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), which analyses fraud patterns and passes intelligence to regional and national police forces. Not every report leads to an investigation — Action Fraud receives tens of thousands of reports monthly — but reports are used to build cases against serial fraudsters and to disrupt networks.
Keep your crime reference number. You will need it if:
- You are claiming back money through your bank
- You are reporting identity fraud to credit agencies (CIFAS/Experian)
- You are taking legal action
Protect yourself after reporting
Get a free Security Score and checklist to secure your accounts going forward.
Get your free Security ScoreOther Reporting Routes
| What you're reporting | Where to report |
|---|---|
| Suspicious email | Forward to report@phishing.gov.uk |
| Suspicious text | Forward to 7726 |
| HMRC scam | Forward to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk |
| Scam website | Report via the NCSC's suspicious website tool |
| Financial fraud already in progress | Your bank's fraud line immediately |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does reporting to Action Fraud mean the police will investigate my case?
Not automatically. Action Fraud passes intelligence to the NFIB, which assesses cases and passes those meeting the threshold to relevant police forces. Cases with significant financial loss, vulnerable victims, or repeat offenders are prioritised. Reporting is still important even if no individual investigation follows — your report contributes to patterns that lead to larger investigations.
I reported to Action Fraud months ago but heard nothing. Is that normal?
Yes, unfortunately. Action Fraud is a reporting centre, not an investigation unit. Most victims do not receive individual updates unless their case is escalated to a police force. If your case involved significant financial loss, you can contact your local police to enquire whether it was passed on.
Can I report on behalf of someone else — a parent or relative who was scammed?
Yes. You can submit a report on behalf of a victim. Make clear in the report that you are not the victim and provide the victim's details.