How to Report Internet Fraud in the United Kingdom
The Internet is a modern equivalent of a minefield when it comes to fraud or scams, and they can affect anyone who is not careful. If you think that you have discovered Internet fraud or an Internet scam, report it to the listed authorities as soon as possible to ensure that no one else is affected by it.
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Instructions
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Reporting to Consumer Direct
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Visit the Consumer Direct: Report a Scam website page (see Resources).
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Fill in all possible information on the trader responsible for the scam, including name, contact details, website and contact person.
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Select an option from the drop down menu, indicating the type of scam.
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Select an option from the drop down menu indicating the type of contact first experienced with this trader and the date on which this took place.
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Fill in the amount requested by the trader and if applicable, the amount paid as well as the method of payment used (which can be selected from another drop down menu).
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Write a brief description of the transaction and communications with the trader in the text box provided, including all dates, amounts and names.
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Fill in as much information about yourself as possible, including your title, first name and last name (anon or anonymous is acceptable), contact details and email address.
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Click the green "Submit" arrow to complete the report and go to the confirmation page.
Reporting by Email
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Forward any suspicious emails from a bank to Bank Safe Online at reports@banksafeonline.org.uk, with no additional text in the email body.
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Forward any suspicious emails from a bank to the bank itself. Visit your bank website by typing the address in yourself; links can lead to staged websites. Most banks have a "Report Scams" email address or number under the "Contacts" option.
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Forward any suspicious emails to the Internet service provider. To do this, replace the name stated before the @ with "abuse." For example: If the sender email address is "bank@generic.co.uk," forward the email to "abuse@generic.co.uk," with no text in the email body.
Reporting to the Police
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Report the scam to the local police if any money has been lost in the process, as this is the first step towards investigating the scam and hopefully reclaiming some of the money.
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Find the contact details for the police force or station nearest to you, by visiting the UK Police Forces website (see Resources).
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Select the region and county that you reside in, which will open a new page with the county police website.
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Find the "Non-Emergency Telephone Number" or "Contact Us" link, both of which will appear towards the top of the page. Otherwise there will be a "Nearest Station Finder" in which you can enter your postcode to find the contact details for the nearest station.
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Contact or visit your local police and report the case, including trader information, personal information and payment information. The police will then provide you with a case reference number.
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