Scamology provides information and routes to help. It is not an emergency, police, banking, legal, investigation or crisis service.
Start with immediate safety
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger. Do the same if a crime is happening now or urgent medical help is needed. Use 101 for a police matter that is not an emergency.
Someone may still control a device, account or payment route. If so, contact the provider through details you checked yourself. Do not use a number or link from the suspicious contact.
You do not need to settle every fact before asking for help. Start with the harm that may still be prevented.
Protect money and accounts
Contact the bank, card company, payment service or account provider as soon as possible. Explain what was paid, shared or accessed and ask what can still be protected.
MoneyHelper offers free and impartial money guidance. Its financial crimes and scams unit can also help people facing the financial effects of a scam.
A bank or other financial business may not resolve a complaint. The Financial Ombudsman Service may then be able to consider it. Complain to the business first and keep its final reply.
Report fraud or cyber crime
Use Report Fraud for fraud or cyber crime in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. If you live in Scotland or the crime happened there, contact Police Scotland on 101.
Reporting and support are different needs. A report may help police intelligence or an investigation. It does not guarantee an update, arrest or return of money.
You can still seek support if you are unsure about reporting or do not feel ready to make a report.
Get practical and emotional support
Victim services can help with the practical and emotional effects of crime. Support does not depend on proving that the person should have recognised the scam.
Victim Support provides free, independent and confidential help in England and Wales. Victim Support Scotland and Victim Support NI provide routes for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
If you need someone to listen, Samaritans can be called free on 116 123 at any time. Call 999 when there is an immediate risk to life.
Raise a safeguarding concern
A safety concern may grow from pressure, control, threats or repeated losses. Care needs may also make it hard for someone to protect themselves. This may need a safeguarding response.
For an adult with care and support needs, contact the adult safeguarding team at their local council. NHS guidance explains how local councils, health professionals and police can respond.
If a child or young person may be at risk, contact their local children’s social care team. GOV.UK provides the local council route. Online sexual abuse or grooming can also be reported to CEOP.
Safeguarding is about safety, dignity and suitable help. It should not be used simply because someone made a decision another person dislikes.
Guided route 3 · Step 4 of 5
Continue your route
The next guide follows directly from this one.