MONEY · COMMON SCAMS UK
Common Scams in the UK Explained
Recognising and protecting yourself from fraud and financial scams.
Quick summary
- Scammers impersonate trusted organisations
- Banks and police will never ask for full passwords or one-time codes
- Never send money due to pressure or secrecy
- Report fraud to your bank immediately
- Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre
For information only
Common Scams in the UK ExplainedScams are becoming more sophisticated, targeted and convincing. Fraudsters impersonate banks, delivery companies, HMRC, police officers, investment firms, energy providers and even family members. Many scams rely on pressure, fear, urgency or emotional manipulation. In 2023–2024, billions of pounds were lost to fraud in the UK, with Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams and impersonation fraud among the most common. This guide explains: • The most common scam types • The warning signs to look for • What to do if you’ve been targeted • Where to report fraud • How reimbursement rules work This is general information, not legal advice.
Why Scams Work
Scams succeed because they exploit human psychology.
Fraudsters create:
- Urgency (“Your account will be closed today”)
- Authority (“This is the police fraud team”)
- Fear (“You owe HMRC tax”)
- Excitement (“Guaranteed investment returns”)
- Emotional connection (“I love you, but I need help”)
They often spoof phone numbers and email addresses so messages appear genuine.
Modern scams can look extremely professional.
Investment Scams
Investment scams promise high returns with low or no risk.
Common examples:
- Cryptocurrency “trading platforms”
- Fake bond schemes
- Property investment abroad
- Carbon credit schemes
- Clone firms pretending to be FCA-authorised
Red flags:
- Guaranteed returns
- Pressure to invest quickly
- Celebrity endorsements
- Being added to WhatsApp investment groups
- Requests to move money off legitimate platforms
Check the FCA ScamSmart warning list:
https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart
FCA Consumer Helpline:
Phone: 0800 111 6768
Email: consumer.queries@fca.org.uk
Authorised Push Payment (APP) Scams
APP scams happen when you are tricked into voluntarily sending money to a fraudster.
Common scenarios:
- “Safe account” scams (fake bank fraud team)
- HMRC or police impersonation
- Conveyancing scams during house purchases
- Invoice redirection scams
- Romance scams
You are persuaded to transfer funds yourself.
As of October 2024, new reimbursement rules require most UK banks to reimburse APP scam victims up to £85,000, unless the customer acted with gross negligence.
If you suspect fraud:
1. Contact your bank immediately
2. Ask them to freeze the payment
3. Request reimbursement under APP rules
Do not delay — speed matters.
Phishing, Smishing & Vishing
Phishing = fraudulent email
Smishing = fraudulent SMS
Vishing = fraudulent phone call
Common tactics:
- Fake parcel delivery fees
- Bank “security alerts”
- Account suspension notices
- Netflix/Amazon subscription problems
Banks will NEVER:
- Ask for full passwords
- Ask for one-time passcodes over phone
- Ask you to move money to a “safe account”
Report suspicious emails to:
report@phishing.gov.uk
National Cyber Security Centre:
Romance & Social Media Scams
Fraudsters build relationships online before requesting money.
Common signs:
- They avoid video calls
- They claim to work overseas
- They ask for secrecy
- They request emergency funds
Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
Loan Fee & Debt Relief Scams
Fraudsters promise guaranteed loans or debt write-offs in exchange for upfront fees.
Legitimate lenders:
- Do not charge upfront fees
- Must be FCA authorised
Check the FCA Register:
Energy & Utility Scams
Scammers may:
- Offer fake energy rebates
- Claim your smart meter is faulty
- Offer “government grants”
Always contact your supplier directly using official numbers.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Step 1: Contact Your Bank Immediately
Ask to freeze transactions and begin fraud investigation.
Step 2: Report to Action Fraud
Action Fraud (UK national fraud reporting centre)
Website: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
Phone: 0300 123 2040
Step 3: Get Independent Advice
Citizens Advice
Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Phone: 0800 144 8848
Step 4: Protect Your Identity
- Change passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Contact credit reference agencies
How to Protect Yourself
Practical prevention steps:
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Never rush financial decisions
- Verify numbers independently
- Be cautious with investment opportunities
- Do not click unknown links
Pause. Think. Verify.
Reimbursement & Complaints
If your bank refuses reimbursement:
Escalate to:
Financial Ombudsman Service
Website: https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Phone: 0800 023 4567
Email: complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk
The Ombudsman is free to use.
Key takeaways
- Verify before sending money
- Banks never ask for full passwords
- Report fraud quickly
- Use official contact numbers
Can I get my money back after a scam?
Possibly. Under APP reimbursement rules, many banks must refund victims unless there was gross negligence. Act immediately.
What if I gave away my password?
Contact your bank immediately and change all passwords.
Are banks responsible for scam losses?
In many APP cases, yes — under new reimbursement rules.
Who investigates fraud in the UK?
Action Fraud collects reports. Police forces investigate cases.
How can I check if an investment is legitimate?
Search the FCA Register and ScamSmart warning list before investing.
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