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Sunday, 1 November 2026 Business · World · Analysis
THE BUSINESS TIME
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Scams

Been scammed? Where to report it in Scotland, and where in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

In Scotland you report fraud to the police on 101; in the rest of the UK through Report Fraud. We explain where and when to call.

Smartphone on a wooden table

Since the start of 2026, fraud victims in England, Wales and Northern Ireland report it through Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud. Scotland has a different rule.

Where to report

  • Scotland: if you live in Scotland or the fraud happened in Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
  • England, Wales, Northern Ireland: report online at reportfraud.police.uk.
  • Crime in progress: 999 in an emergency, 101 otherwise.
  • A business or organisation under cyber attack: call 0300 123 2040 immediately.

Haven’t lost money?

It is still worth reporting a suspicious email, text or website. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 and emails to [email protected].

What it means for you

  • Families: reporting quickly helps your bank and the police freeze the money.
  • Businesses: in an attack on your systems every hour counts, so call – don’t write.

Our assessment

Many people don’t report fraud out of embarrassment. They shouldn’t: fraudsters work on a mass scale, and every report helps warn others. But first call your bank, then the police.

What to do

  • Call your bank using the number on your card, not one from a message.
  • Save numbers, links and screenshots.
  • Report it in the right place for your part of the UK.

Source: Report Fraud – Reporting a fraud.

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