Scammed in the UK? What to do now, and how to get your money back

By Catherine Ellwood · Published 12 October 2026

The steps to take straight away after a scam, how bank reimbursement for authorised push payment fraud works, where to report it, and how to avoid a second scam.

This guide gives general information about the law in the UK, not legal advice about your situation.

Scams are common and sophisticated. Being caught out is nothing to be ashamed of, and acting quickly makes a real difference to your chances of recovering money. This guide sets out what to do in the first hours and days.

Right now: the first steps

Call your bank immediately. You can call 159, a free number that connects you securely to many major UK banks. Or call the number on the back of your card. Banks may be able to stop or recall a payment, and block further transactions.
Stop contact with the scammer. Do not pay any more money, even if they say it is needed to release your funds.
Change passwords for any account you think is compromised, starting with your email, and turn on two-step verification.
If you gave remote access to your computer or phone, disconnect it from the internet and get it checked before using online banking.
Keep evidence: screenshots, messages, emails, phone numbers, website addresses and transaction details.

Report it

England, Wales and Northern Ireland: report fraud and cybercrime to Report Fraud, the City of London Police service that replaced Action Fraud in December 2025, at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.
Scotland: report it to Police Scotland on 101.
Scam texts: forward them free to 7726.
Scam emails: forward them to [email protected].
Scam adverts: report them to the platform and to the Advertising Standards Authority.

Getting your money back

If you didn't authorise the payment

If money was taken without your permission, for example someone used your card details, your bank should generally refund you promptly, unless it can show you acted fraudulently or with gross negligence.

If you were tricked into sending it (authorised push payment fraud)

Since 7 October 2024, UK banks and payment firms must reimburse most victims of authorised push payment (APP) scams made by Faster Payments or CHAPS, under rules set by the Payment Systems Regulator. Key points:

The maximum reimbursement is £85,000 per claim.
You must report the scam to your bank within 13 months of the last payment.
Firms can deduct an excess of up to £100, but not for vulnerable customers.
Claims can be refused if you were involved in the fraud or were grossly negligent, which is a high bar.
Your bank should usually decide within five business days, though it can take longer if it needs more information.

Card payments

If you paid by card, ask about a chargeback, and for credit card purchases of more than £100 and up to £30,000, a section 75 claim.

If the bank says no

Complain to the bank in writing. If you are not satisfied with its final response, or it has not replied within eight weeks, you can take the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which is free.

Beware the second scam

Victims are often targeted again by "recovery" scammers who claim they can get your money back for a fee, sometimes posing as police, lawyers or regulators. Genuine organisations will not ask you to pay to recover money. Hang up and call the organisation on a number you have checked yourself.

Common warning signs

Pressure to act immediately, or to keep it secret.
A request to move money to a "safe account": your bank will never ask you to do this.
Investment returns that sound too good to be true. Check firms on the FCA register and its warning list.
Contact out of the blue claiming to be from your bank, HMRC, the police or a delivery firm.

Frequently asked questions

Does the reimbursement rule cover cryptocurrency?

Only the UK payment you made by Faster Payments or CHAPS can be covered. Money already converted into crypto and sent onwards is much harder to trace.

Sources and further reading

Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.