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Hi All,
🕵️ What Action Fraud IsAction Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.It is run by the City of London Police and works closely with the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB).It is not an investigative body itself — instead, it collects reports, assesses them, and passes viable cases to the relevant police force or agency for investigation.It covers England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, fraud is reported directly to Police Scotland.
📋 What You Can Report to Action FraudYou can report: Online scams (phishing, fake websites, social media fraud)Identity theft and impersonationInvestment, pension, and banking fraudTicket scams, dating scams, and shopping fraudCybercrime such as hacking, ransomware, and malware attacksWhat you can’t report to them (these go to specialist agencies instead): Tax fraud → HMRCBenefit fraud → Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)Immigration fraud → Home OfficeCounterfeit medicines → Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)Online child abuse → Local police or CEOP Command
🛠 How the Process WorksReport – You can report online 24/7 via the Action Fraud website or by phone on 0300 123 2040 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm).Receive a Crime Reference Number – This confirms your report has been logged.Assessment by NFIB – They analyse the information to identify patterns, link cases, and decide if there’s enough evidence for a police investigation.Referral – If viable, your case is sent to the relevant local police force.Outcome – You’ll be updated within 28 days on whether your case is being investigated, or if intelligence is being used to disrupt criminal activity (e.g., shutting down websites, blocking phone numbers).
💡 Best Advice for Using Action Fraud EffectivelyAct quickly – The sooner you report, the better the chance of stopping further losses or preventing others being targeted.Gather evidence – Keep emails, screenshots, receipts, bank statements, and any communication from the fraudster.Be detailed – Provide as much information as possible: dates, amounts, account numbers, website addresses, phone numbers, and names used.Register an account – This lets you save incomplete reports, track progress, and add new information later.Report suspicious emails/texts immediately – Forward phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and scam texts to 7726 (free).If money is lost – Contact your bank immediately to try to stop or recover the payment.If you’re under active cyber attack – Call Action Fraud’s 24/7 cyber reporting line for businesses and organisations on 0300 123 2040.
📚 Useful LinksAction Fraud – Official WebsiteAction Fraud – Police UK Advice PageNational Cyber Security Centre – Cyber Aware
Best wishes, |
