Finding out you’ve been scammed can feel overwhelming. You might be angry, embarrassed, or unsure where to turn, and that is completely understandable. You are not alone. 4.6 million people in the UK fall victim to scams each year.
The most important thing to know is that acting quickly gives you the best chance of getting your money back. Whether this happened today or some time ago, there are steps you can take right now.
Here is exactly what to do if you have been scammed online or in person — and how CEL Solicitors may be able to help you recover what you have lost.
1. Confirm Whether You Have Been Scammed
It is not always obvious straight away. Scammers are sophisticated, and many people only realise something is wrong when they check their bank account or fail to receive something they paid for.
Here are the most common signs that you have been scammed:
Unexpected charges on your account. Money has left your account that you do not recognise or did not authorise.
Goods or services that never arrived. You paid for something (a product, a service, a ticket) and it never materialised or was nothing like what was advertised.
Someone asked for your personal details. A caller, emailer, or message claimed to be from your bank, HMRC, or another trusted organisation and asked for your passwords, card details, or account information.
You were pressured into sending money. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, like telling you your account is at risk, that you have won a prize, or that a loved one is in trouble, to rush you into acting before you can think it through.
If any of these sound familiar, it is very likely you have been scammed. Trust your instincts. If something felt wrong at the time, it probably was.
2. Stop Any Further Payments Immediately
If you think you have been scammed, the very first thing you need to do is stop any more money from leaving your account. Every minute counts.
Cancel any direct debits or recurring payments. Contact your bank straight away and ask them to cancel any automatic payments that may be linked to the scam. Do not wait to see if another payment goes out first.
Ask your bank to freeze your account. If you believe your account details have been seen or stolen by a scammer, ask your bank to temporarily freeze your account. This prevents any further unauthorised transactions while you work out what has happened.
Do not make any further payments to the scammer. This may sound obvious, but scammers will often contact victims again after the first payment, claiming there is a problem or that you need to pay more to release your funds. This is always a lie. Do not send anything further.
If you are unsure how to do any of this, call the number on the back of your bank card. Most major banks have a dedicated fraud line that is available 24 hours a day.
3. Report the Scam to Your Bank
Once you have stopped any further payments, your next step is to formally report the scam to your bank. This is one of the most important things you can do, and you should do it as soon as possible.
Tell them exactly what happened. Explain the full situation to your bank’s fraud team, including when the payment was made, how much was sent, and who you were told you were sending it to. The more detail you can give them, the better.
Ask about reimbursement. Under the Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud reimbursement rules, which came into force in October 2024, most banks are now required to reimburse victims of APP fraud up to £85,000 in eligible cases. You should ask your bank about this directly.
Request new account details. If your card number, account number, or sort code has been compromised, ask your bank to issue you with new details straight away. This helps protect you from further fraud.
Keep a record of everything. Note down the date and time you called, the name of the person you spoke to, and what was agreed. This information may be important if you need to make a formal complaint or a legal claim later on.
If your bank refuses to reimburse you or does not respond within eight weeks, you have the right to escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. CEL Solicitors can also help you at this stage if your bank has let you down.
4. Check Your Credit Report
If a scammer has gained access to your personal information, they may try to use it to commit identity fraud. This means they could attempt to open credit cards, take out loans, or apply for other financial products in your name, without you knowing anything about it.
Checking your credit report is a simple but important step that can help you catch this early.
Look for accounts you did not open. If you see any credit cards, loans, or other financial accounts that you do not recognise, this could be a sign that someone has been using your identity.
Check for unfamiliar credit applications. Even an unsuccessful application for credit in your name will show up on your report. Multiple applications you do not recognise are a serious warning sign.
Watch for an unexplained drop in your credit score. A sudden fall in your score with no obvious reason could indicate fraudulent activity on your file.
You can check your credit report for free through Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. It is worth doing this regularly in the weeks and months following a scam, not just once.
If you do find anything suspicious, report it to the credit reference agency immediately and let your bank know as well.
5. Contact Report Fraud
As well as telling your bank, you should also report the scam to Report Fraud. Report Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, and it is the official place to report scams in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Reporting your case will not automatically get your money back, but it is still an important step. It helps the police and other authorities track scam activity, identify the people behind it, and prevent others from becoming victims.
How to report to Report Fraud:
Online. You can report a scam at any time through the Report Fraud website at reportfraud.police.uk. The online reporting tool is straightforward and will guide you through what information you need to provide.
By phone. If you would prefer to speak to someone, you can call Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm.
What to have ready. Before you report, it helps to gather as much information as you can. This includes details of how the scam happened, any names or contact details used by the scammer, records of payments made, and any emails, messages, or documents connected to the scam.
You will be given a crime reference number when you report. Keep this safe, as you may need it later if you pursue a claim or make a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
6. Protect Yourself from Being Scammed Again
Sadly, scam victims are often targeted more than once. Once your details are known, they can be passed between criminal networks, meaning you may receive further approaches in the weeks or months after being scammed. Being aware of this can help you stay one step ahead.
Be cautious of recovery scams. This is especially important. After being scammed, some people are approached by individuals claiming they can recover lost funds for an upfront fee. These are almost always scams themselves. Any legitimate firm helping you recover money, including CEL Solicitors, will never ask for payment upfront.
Learn to recognise the warning signs. Scammers rely on urgency, fear, and impersonation. If someone contacts you out of the blue, claims to be from your bank or a government body, and pressures you to act quickly or keep things secret, stop and verify who you are speaking to before doing anything.
Enable two-factor authentication. Adding an extra layer of security to your email, banking, and social media accounts makes it significantly harder for scammers to access them, even if they have some of your personal details.
Never share passwords, PINs, or one-time codes. Your bank will never ask for these. Nobody legitimate ever will.
Keep monitoring your accounts. Check your bank statements and credit report regularly in the months following a scam. Early detection of any new suspicious activity gives you the best chance of limiting further damage.
If you receive any further suspicious contact after being scammed, report it to Report Fraud and let your bank know straight away.
7. Find Out If You Can Make a Claim
If your bank has refused to reimburse you, or has not responded to your complaint within eight weeks, you may still be able to recover your money. This is where CEL Solicitors can help.
Many scam victims believe that once their bank has said no, there is nothing more they can do. That is not true. Banks do not always get it right, and in many cases their decision can be challenged.
CEL Solicitors specialises in helping people who have been scammed reclaim the money they have lost. We work on a no win, no fee basis, which means there is no financial risk to you in finding out whether you have a case.
What we can help with:
Your bank refused your refund request. If your bank has turned down your claim under the APP fraud reimbursement rules, we can review their decision and challenge it on your behalf.
You are not sure whether you have a case. You do not need to have all the answers before you get in touch. We will listen to what happened, assess your situation, and give you an honest view of your options.
Time has passed since the scam. We understand that some people take time to come forward, whether through embarrassment, uncertainty, or simply not knowing help was available. In many cases, we can still help, even if the scam happened some time ago.
One of our clients, Oliver, was a 78-year-old retiree who lost over £126,000 across two separate scams. With CEL Solicitors by his side, he recovered his money in full, along with additional interest.
You are not alone. If you have been scammed, just tell CEL. We listen, we care, we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if I have been scammed?
The most important first step is to contact your bank straight away and ask them to stop any further payments. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering your money. You should also report the scam to Report Fraud as soon as you can.
Can I get my money back if I have been scammed?
In many cases, yes. Under APP fraud reimbursement rules, most banks are required to reimburse eligible victims of authorised push payment fraud up to £85,000. If your bank refuses, you may be able to challenge that decision through the Financial Ombudsman Service or with the help of a specialist solicitor like CEL Solicitors.
What if my bank refuses to refund me?
A bank refusal is not the end of the road. Banks do not always make the right decision, and their response can be challenged. CEL Solicitors works with scam victims whose banks have refused to help, and we can review your case on a no win, no fee basis.
How long do I have to make a claim after being scammed?
Time limits can vary depending on the circumstances of your case, but do not assume it is too late without checking first. CEL Solicitors has helped clients recover money from scams that happened some time ago. Get in touch and we will give you an honest assessment of your situation.
Who do I contact if I have been scammed online?
You should contact your bank immediately, then report the scam to Report Fraud either online at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you have lost money and want to explore your legal options, CEL Solicitors is here to help.
Is it embarrassing to admit I have been scammed?
Absolutely not. Scammers are highly sophisticated and deliberately target people of all ages and backgrounds. Being scammed is not a sign of naivety or weakness. Millions of people in the UK are affected every year, and coming forward is the bravest and most practical thing you can do.
