CleverwaysPractical UK scam guidance

Fraud basics

Fraud is deliberate dishonesty. A scam is how it often reaches you.

Fraud can happen online, by telephone, through the post or face to face. The method changes; the underlying attempt to gain an advantage through deception or abuse of trust does not.
Reviewed 29 August 2026 Next review 29 November 2026

Three related terms

What the words mean

Fraud
Dishonest conduct intended to produce a gain or cause somebody else loss or risk. It can involve a false claim, withheld information or abuse of a trusted position.
Scam
An everyday word for a dishonest scheme or approach. A scam may be an attempted fraud even when the person spots it before losing money.
Cybercrime
Crime involving computers, accounts, networks or digital devices. Some cybercrime enables fraud — for example, account hacking followed by impersonation — but the terms are not identical.

The legal picture

The precise offence depends on the facts and where it happened.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Fraud Act 2006 sets out three central forms: fraud by false representation, by failing to disclose information where there is a legal duty, and by abuse of position. Each involves dishonesty and an intention to make a gain or cause loss or a risk of loss.

Scotland uses its own common-law approach. Police Scotland’s recording guidance identifies falsehood, an intention to deceive and a prejudicial result as central elements. This page is an educational explanation, not legal advice or a judgement that a crime has occurred.

How it appears in everyday life

Different stories, similar underlying moves

Fraud is wider than suspicious texts. It can target money, information, accounts, property, services or a position of trust.
  1. 01

    False identity or story

    Somebody pretends to be a bank, relative, employer, seller, official or genuine business.

  2. 02

    False product or opportunity

    Goods, work, investments, prizes or services do not exist, are materially misrepresented or cannot deliver what was promised.

  3. 03

    Account or identity misuse

    Stolen credentials or personal information are used to access accounts, make payments or apply for products.

  4. 04

    Abuse of trust or position

    A person with access, responsibility or influence dishonestly uses that position against somebody else’s interests.

Warning signs

A reason to pause, not proof on its own.

Urgency, secrecy, false authority, emotional pressure, an unexpected request or an unusual payment route can signal increased risk. Genuine messages can also be urgent, and sophisticated fraud may look calm and professional.

If something has happened

Protect first. Preserve evidence. Report through the right route.

  1. ProtectContact the bank, payment provider or affected service promptly through an official channel.
  2. PreserveKeep messages, numbers, dates, payment references, wallet addresses and screenshots.
  3. ReportUse the reporting route that fits what happened and where you live. You do not need to send the same report everywhere.
Open the reporting directory

Sources checked

Reviewed 29 August 2026. Follow the relevant authority’s current instructions where they differ.

Understand the Fraud Triangle and its limits