Scam help: support for scam victims
Being scammed is upsetting, and it can happen to anyone. Scammers are professionals who spend every day perfecting their stories. If you've lost money or shared personal details, you're not alone, and there are steps you can take right now.
What to do right now
- Call your bank. Dial 159 to reach your bank safely, or use the number on the back of your card. The sooner they know, the better the chance of stopping or getting back a payment.
- Report it. Report the scam to Report Fraud, the national reporting service that replaced Action Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
- Secure your accounts. Change passwords you may have shared, turn on two-step verification and uninstall any app the scammer asked you to install.
- Keep the evidence. Save messages, numbers, emails, bank statements and receipts. Don't delete the conversation.
If you are in danger or the scammer is threatening you, call 999.
Watch out for recovery scams
After a scam, victims are often contacted again by people who promise to get their money back for a fee. These "recovery" offers are very often a second scam. Be careful with anyone who contacts you out of the blue, asks for an upfront fee or crypto payment, or guarantees that you'll get your money back. Who Was That will never contact you first, never asks you for money and never asks for your bank login details.
Get introduced to professional support
Who Was That works with a number of investigation firms. Tell us what happened and, with your permission, we'll pass your details to a partner who may be able to help. Using this form is free and doesn't commit you to anything. Any partner you're introduced to will explain their own terms and fees before you agree to anything.
Thank you, we've received your request
We'll look at what happened and, where we can, introduce you to a partner who can help. They will contact you by email or phone. In the meantime, make sure you've called your bank on 159 and reported the scam to Report Fraud.
Free help and advice
- Victim Support offers free, confidential emotional support to anyone affected by crime, including fraud.
- Citizens Advice explains your rights and can help you report a scam.
- The Financial Ombudsman Service can look at your complaint for free if your bank refuses to refund you.