UK Scams: Bank, Impersonation & Online Fraud Guide
The most common scams in the UK and how to report them via Action Fraud, your bank, and 159.
Emergency number: 999 (emergency), 101 (non-emergency police) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
The UK sees high volumes of authorised push payment (APP) fraud, bank and police impersonation 'safe account' scams, delivery smishing, and investment fraud. This guide outlines the dominant scams and the official routes — Action Fraud, the 159 secure bank line, and your bank's own fraud team — to report and seek help.
Common scams
- Bank and police impersonation 'safe account' scams
- Delivery and DVLA/HMRC smishing
- Investment and crypto fraud
- Purchase scams on marketplaces
Tourist-specific scams
- Overpriced or unlicensed taxis
- Ticket scams for events and attractions
Online shopping scams
- Fake delivery texts (Royal Mail/courier impersonation)
- Marketplace purchase non-delivery
- Phishing emails impersonating banks and HMRC
Job scams
- Task scams
- Fake recruiter and work-from-home scams
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and pig-butchering scams
Investment scams
- Clone firm and fake broker scams
- Crypto and 'AI trading' platforms
- Pension transfer scams
How to report a scam here
- Call your bank immediately (number on your card) or dial 159 to reach your bank securely
- Report fraud to Action Fraud online or on 0300 123 2040
- Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to [email protected]
- Check firms on the FCA register and ScamSmart warning list
Local reporting & protection links
- Cybercrime reporting
- Consumer protection
- Police
- 159 secure bank line — Dial 159 to reach your bank safely
- FCA ScamSmart
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
UK banks are signed up to reimbursement rules for many APP fraud victims. Report quickly, keep evidence, and use 159 or the number on your card — never a number given by a caller. A genuine bank will never ask you to move money to a 'safe account'.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is 159?
159 is a secure UK phone service that connects you directly to your bank's fraud team. If you get a suspicious call about your money, hang up and dial 159 to check.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance