FRAUD BASICS – UK GUIDE

The Cost of Fraud in the UK

Q: Is my money always refunded?

Not always. Banks decide case-by-case. Report immediately, keep evidence, and ask about the CRM Code. For card payments, try chargeback (debit) or Section 75 (credit). Call your bank using the number on your card.

Q: Should I reply “STOP” to a suspicious text?

No. Replying can confirm your number. Forward the text to 7726 (free) and delete it.

Q: Are “guaranteed” investments ever safe?

Guaranteed returns are a red flag. Check the FCA Warning List and use only regulated firms. Never pay by crypto or instant bank transfer to unknown people.

Q: What if I clicked a link already?

If you entered details, change passwords and enable 2FA. Contact your bank for any banking information shared, and report phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Q: What’s the quickest way to report?

Call your bank (or 159 in the UK). Forward scam texts to 7726, send phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, and report online to Action Fraud.

Fraud drains time, money, and trust.
Most scams start with a text, email, or call — and grow fast through urgency and pressure.
Use our 10-second check to spot red flags before you act and cut your risk dramatically.

✅ Based on real UK scam patterns ✅ Informed by NCSC & Action Fraud guidance ✅ Works for texts, emails & calls

Millions

of attempts target the UK each year

Most losses

start with a text, email, or phone call

10 seconds

is often enough to spot the red flags

Where the losses happen

Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams — tricked into sending money (fake bank, invoice, investment, romance).
Card & account fraud — details stolen and used online or in-store.
Investment & crypto cons — “guaranteed” returns, fake trading apps.

Romance scams — fast emotional bonds, repeated “emergencies”.
Delivery & impersonation — small fees, fake redelivery, HMRC/police imposters.
Purchase scams — fake websites or marketplace sellers; goods never arrive.

Costs you don’t see

Time & admin: calls, forms, new cards/accounts.
Stress & trust: sleep, confidence, relationships.
Account clean-up: devices, passwords, security controls.

Identity recovery: email accounts, recovery codes, two-factor resets.
Opportunity loss: missed bills, late fees, credit impacts.
Privacy impacts: data exposure and ongoing risk.

What actually reduces risk

Pause for 10 seconds. Scan for urgency + authority + a push to pay/share/login.
Verify from the source. Use the number on your card, or type the site yourself.
Never move money on a call. Banks don’t ask.
Protect logins: Password manager + 2FA; never reuse passwords.
Secure your devices: official app-stores only; keep software updated.
Report quickly: Text 7726 (free), call your bank, record what happened.

Download the 10-second checks →

If you think you’ve been scammed

Stop any further payments or replies.
Call your bank immediately using the number on your card.
Report to Action Fraud (online).
Forward scam texts to 7726 (free), and keep screenshots.

Report at Action Fraud ↗ Forward to 7726

FAQ — Cost of Fraud (UK)

Is my money always refunded?

Not always. Banks decide case-by-case. Report immediately and keep evidence.

Bank transfer (APP): ask about the CRM Code & reimbursement policy.
Card payments: try a chargeback (debit) or Section 75 (credit, £100–£30k).
Call your bank using the number on your card and record the reference.

Should I reply “STOP” to a suspicious text?

No — not to unknown senders. Replying confirms your number. Forward the message to 7726 (free) and delete it.

Are “guaranteed” investments ever safe?

“Guaranteed returns” are a red flag. Check the FCA Warning List and use only regulated firms. Never pay by crypto or instant bank transfer to someone you don’t know.

Check the FCA Warning List ↗

What if I clicked a link already?

If you didn’t enter details, you’re likely safe — but stay cautious. If you did: