Every type of scam, explained
How each scam works, the warning signs, whether you can get your money back, and what to do now.
Choose the scam that happened to you
Not sure which applies? It doesn't matter. Tell us what happened and we'll work it out with you.
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No scam types match. It doesn't matter: tell us what happened.
How most scams work
The stories change, but the pattern is usually the same. Spotting it early is the best protection.
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01
Contact
A call, message, advert or listing that seems genuine, often from a trusted name or a friendly stranger.
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02
Trust
Details that sound right, small early wins, or a relationship that develops over time.
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03
Pressure
Urgency, fear or excitement that leaves no time to check or talk to anyone.
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04
Payment
A request to pay in a way that is hard to reverse: bank transfer, crypto or gift cards.
How you paid affects your options
Whatever the scam, the way the money left your account decides which rules apply.
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Bank transfer (Faster Payments or CHAPS)
Since 7 October 2024, UK banks must reimburse most victims of authorised push payment fraud, up to £85,000 per claim, if it is reported within 13 months. Earlier payments may fall under the voluntary CRM Code or the bank’s duty of care.
How the money-back rules work -
Debit or credit card
You may be able to ask your card provider for a chargeback, or claim under Section 75 for credit card purchases between £100 and £30,000. Chargebacks have strict time limits, so act quickly.
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Crypto bought and sent on
Transfers out of a crypto exchange are rarely reversible, and payments to an account in your own name aren’t covered by the reimbursement rules. You may still be able to complain that your bank should have spotted and stopped the payments.
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A payment you didn’t make
If you didn’t authorise a payment, your bank should normally refund it promptly, unless it can show you acted fraudulently or with gross negligence. Report it as soon as you notice.
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Gift cards, cash or money transfer services
These are much harder to recover. Report it immediately to the provider and the police. In some cases, the firm that processed the payment may still be asked to explain why it didn’t intervene.
A general guide to UK rules. Every case depends on its facts, and nobody can guarantee an outcome.
If it has just happened
Speed matters. These steps protect you and give your bank the best chance to act.
Call your bank first, using the number on your card or its official website. Do not use numbers given to you by the caller or in a message.
Contact your bank now
Call the number on the back of your card or on your bank's official website. Tell them it is fraud. The sooner they know, the better the chance of stopping or tracing payments.
Stop further payments
Do not send any more money, even if you are promised a refund, a release fee or a withdrawal. Stop contact with the scammer.
Secure your accounts
Change passwords for your email and banking, remove any remote-access apps, and turn on two-step verification.
Report it
Report the crime to the police or your national fraud reporting service and keep the reference number.
Keep the evidence
Save messages, emails, screenshots, website addresses, wallet addresses and statements showing every payment.
Lost money to any of these?
Tell us what happened. The first review is free and there is no obligation.