If you have been affected by a scam, or if you feel someone you care about could be, remember that you are not alone. Scammers today are very smart, convincing, and often tricky. They go after people who usually trust others. They make things confusing and cause fear to take what they want.
This guide will help you with actions you can take now. It will show you where to find help and support. It will also provide easy tips to keep you safe later.
Immediate Steps if You Think You’ve Been Scammed
Acting quickly can make a big difference:
Protect Your Money: Call your bank immediately to freeze your accounts or check for any unusual activity. Use the official phone numbers from your bank’s website or your cards.
Report the Scam:
- Reach out to Action Fraud, which is the UK’s official fraud reporting center. You can call them at 0300 123 2040 or report online at actionfraud.police.uk. Reporting is important. Action Fraud says that the more people report, the more chances there are that fraudsters will be caught, charged, and punished.
- If you sent money through Remitly, tell us what happened by reporting through our help center.
Keep Your Online Accounts Safe: Change your passwords right away if you think they are at risk. Also, turn on two-factor authentication to make your security stronger.
Where to Find Scam Support in the UK
If you feel you have been tricked, there are free UK services available to help you. They can assist you with next steps or just be someone to talk to.
Action Fraud (UK’s national reporting centre)
They will look over your report. They might connect you with the National Fraud Victim Care Unit. This unit is a help option that gives you personal support.
- To report, call 0300 123 2040 or go online at actionfraud.police.uk
Victim Support (Nationwide)
Victim Support is a national charity. It gives free, independent, and private advice to people who have been affected by crime and traumatic events, including scams. Help is available all over the UK, even if the event has not been reported.
- England and Wales: You can call 08 08 16 89 111. You can also chat online at victimsupport.org.uk. They are available 24/7.
- Scotland: Call 0800 160 1985. They are open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. You can visit victimsupport.scot.
- Northern Ireland: Call the Belfast Hub at 02890 243133 or the Foyle Hub at 02871 370086. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. You can also visit victimsupportni.com.
Age UK (Older Adults)
Age UK has a special support program for older people at risk of scams or who have been targeted before. The program gives free one-on-one advice sessions. These sessions are customized to fit each person’s needs. They may also connect people to other support services if more help is needed.
- Call 0800 678 1602 or visit Age UK
Samaritans (Emotional Support)
If you feel overwhelmed, nervous, or just need someone to talk to, Samaritans provides free, private support at any time. Their volunteers are ready to listen without any form of criticism.
- Talk confidentially, anytime: Call 116 123
Spotting Common Scams
Scammers often use urgency, fear, and trust to fool people into sending money. If you know the warning signs, you can help keep yourself and your family safe. Think about these questions:
- Were you rushed to send money quickly?
Scammers can pretend to be a loved one in trouble, a government worker, or a partner. They will urge you to act fast so you don’t have time to think. - Did the person contact you out of nowhere?
Many scams start with surprising phone calls, emails, or texts. They might pretend to be from tech support, a bank, or a delivery service and push you to share personal info or send money. - Was it a fake email?
Scammers can make emails that look like they are from a trustful company. They ask you to click a link or give sensitive details like passwords or bank info. - Is this someone you’ve only met online?
Scammers often build connections over time on dating apps or social media. They may ask for money, sometimes in the name of love, emergencies, or work chances. - Were you told to lie about why you sent money?
If someone told you to say a payment was a gift or for a family member when that isn’t true, it’s probably a scam.
If any of these seem familiar, you might be a target of a scam.
Trust your gut feelings. Always confirm with reliable sources before you do anything.
Common Scams Targeting UK Residents
Scammers often use these tricks to fool people into sending money or sharing private information:
- Investment Scams
Scammers offer fake investment chances that seem ‘too good to be true’ or ‘no risk’. They rush victims to send money since the option is available for only a short time. - Internet Purchase Scams
Scammers act like real online sellers by using fake websites or ads on actual platforms. Victims pay for items or services that never come. - Impersonation Scams
Scammers imitate trusted people — like a bank worker, government official, or family member. They pressure victims to send money or give personal information.
Learning about these scams can help you stay ahead and protect your money.
Case Study: A Scam Disguised as a Smart Investment
Investment scams promise fast money, but they often end badly. This is Sam’s story:
Sam joined an online group talking about an investment that seemed real. She did some basic checks and even searched for the name of the business. The name was close to a well-known company. It had a nice-looking website, good reviews, and friendly people. There were screenshots of profits, kind messages, and promises of quick money that made the offer seem very exciting. The group cheered her on, and she sent her savings, thinking she would make money quickly. The person helping her said to send money through a few different ways, using a money service. Sam did what she was told and kept putting in more money. But when she tried to take her cash out, everything was gone. The group, the website, and her money were all missing. Sam lost her savings, and this left her very sad.
What You Should Know
- Investment scams often use fake reviews and group chats to build false trust.
- You may be asked to choose a payment reason that seems harmless, like a gift or transfer, to dodge delays or questions. That is a big warning sign.
- A platform may look professional or copy a trusted brand, but that doesn’t make it safe. Scammers are good at making convincing fakes.
Tips to Prevent Future Scams
Here’s how you can keep yourself safe:
- Trust Your Feelings: If something feels wrong or moves too fast, stop and ask for help.
- Keep Your Information Safe: Do not share your login info or passwords.
- Use Free Scam-Checking Tools:
- Get Safe Online’s Website Checker can warn you about risky websites.
- Ask Silver AI (on WhatsApp) helps you check any unusual messages or offers. It’s really good for people who do not know much about online scams.
- Talk about it: Scammers count on silence. Speaking with friends, family, or your local community center can help raise awareness and stop scams from hurting others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do right after being scammed?
First, contact your bank. If you sent money through Remitly, you should contact us. Next, update your passwords. Then, tell Action Fraud about what happened. After that, reach out to Victim Support for help with your emotions and practical matters.
Is it possible to get my money back after a scam?
Yes, sometimes. Please contact your bank as soon as you can.
How do scammers usually reach out?
They often use emails, phone calls, social media, or text messages. Be careful if you did not think you would hear from them. If you are not sure, contact the business or person another way. For example, if you get a text claiming to be from the IRS, visit the IRS official website and reach out to them directly.
If I feel like I’ve been scammed, where can I get help for my feelings?
You can receive private help from Victim Support and Samaritans.
What can I do to feel safer online?
Always use different passwords. Turn on two-factor authentication. Keep your antivirus software updated. Do not click on sketchy links.
How do I report scams involving Remitly?
Get in touch with Remitly’s support team through our Help Center as soon as you can.