Scams Awareness 2020 - Think you've been scammed? What do you do?

Don’t feel embarrassed about reporting scams
They can happen to anyone!

Everyone has felt that nagging doubt - was that call for real? Can I trust this email? Was the person at the door really from the company they claimed to be from? If you think you may have been scammed, what do you do? Is it too late?

If you think you’ve been scammed, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from things getting worse. If you take action immediately, you might even be able to recover some of the money you lost, or improve your online security if you think it has been compromised.

If you’ve been scammed, you need to protect yourself from further risks, check if you can get your money back and then report the scam.

Protect Yourself

There are lots of ways a scam can affect you, and lots of ways to combat the effects of the scam.  You can use our online scams helper to get advice that’s specific to your situation. This tool has great advice if you...

• ... are being pestered by your scammer
• ... think you may have given the scammer access to your computer
• ... have transferred money to the scammer in the last 24 hours.
• ... think that your account details or PIN have been stolen
• ... think your password has been stolen
• ... think your account has been hacked

Important - if you feel threatened, report it.
Call the police immediately on 999.

Check if you can get your money back after a scam

There are circumstances where you may be able to get money back after a scam. You should contact your bank as soon as possible, and consider the method you used to pay the scammer i.e. PayPal, credit card, bank transfer, Direct Debit etc. For more information click here 

Reporting the scam

Online scams are scams that use the internet – for example, social media, emails and websites. Report online scams through our Scams Action Service.

Offline scams are scams that don't use the internet – for example, doorstep or telephone scams. Report offline scams through our consumer service.

For methods of reporting scams, such as talking to Trading Standards, Action Fraud, or the Post Office, click here

Emotional Support

If you're stressed or worried because of a scam, you can talk to people at several organisations, such as the Samaritans, Victim Support and Age UK., who will be able to listen to you and help. Find their details here