Scams and fraud: United Kingdom.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · Canada · Australia.

Moraph for Good · Fluent

Scams and fraud: United Kingdom

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/fluent/scams-and-fraud

Every scam ends with a request to move money or share a code, and that is the moment to stop. This sheet has the warning signs, the first-hour steps, and where to report where you live.

The habit

Stop, hang up, and call back on a number you already have
Check new bank details by phone before you pay
Never read out a code you didn’t ask for

Warning signs

Contact out of the blue, with urgency or secrecy
A “safe account”, or new bank details
Guaranteed high returns, or fees to withdraw
Someone met online who needs money

The first hour

Stop paying, and call your bank on the number on your card
Change passwords you gave away, and keep the evidence
Report it to the police and the services below
Watch for recovery offers, and tell someone you trust

Signs of identity theft

Transactions or accounts you don’t recognize
Bills or debt letters for things you didn’t buy
Refused credit you would expect to get

In the United Kingdom

Report Fraud. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report fraud and cyber crime to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) online or on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101.
Scam emails and texts. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Most phone providers let you forward scam texts free to 7726.
Reimbursement for bank transfer scams. The Payment Systems Regulator’s reimbursement requirement covers people tricked into sending money by Faster Payments or CHAPS from one UK account to another. Tell your bank straight away.
If your bank says no. The Financial Ombudsman Service is free and can look at complaints about how your bank or payment provider handled things when you were scammed.
Investment scams. The FCA will never ask you to transfer money to it or for your bank PINs or passwords. Check its register and warning list before investing with anyone who contacts you.

Official places to check:

National Cyber Security Centre: www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams/report-scam-email
National Cyber Security Centre: www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams/report-scam-text-message
Payment Systems Regulator: www.psr.org.uk/our-work/app-scams
Financial Ombudsman Service: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers/complaints-can-help
Financial Conduct Authority: www.fca.org.uk/consumers/protect-yourself-scams

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/fluent/scams-and-fraud