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Urgent practical guide

By Does Your Duck Quack

Recovering after a scam or fraud

Recovering after a scam: contact your bank fast, secure accounts, report fraud, understand APP reimbursement and avoid recovery scams.

Checked: 4 October 2026 · Next review: 4 April 2027 · Applies to: UK, with nation notes
How this guide was prepared

Purpose: urgent guidance · Level: detailed

Checked by: Does Your Duck Quack. Sources are linked below; seek professional advice for individual circumstances.

The short answer

What to do first

Recovering after a scam: contact your bank fast, secure accounts, report fraud, understand APP reimbursement and avoid recovery scams.

Start here: If a caller claimed to be the bank, hang up and call 159 for a participating bank, or use the number on the card or official website. Tell the fraud team what happened and ask whether it can stop or recall a transfer, freeze a card or secure the account. For card or cash payments, ask about that method’s protections.

Visual guides

See the decision at a glance

The first hour after a scam
  1. 1. Contact the bankUse a trusted bank number or call 159 for a participating bank; explain the payment and ask what can be stopped.
  2. 2. Secure accountsChange the affected email password from a safe device and check recovery details and other accounts.
  3. 3. Keep evidenceSave messages, numbers, receipts, bank references and a short timeline.
  4. 4. Report and follow upUse the fraud-reporting route for your nation, then complain to the bank if its decision concerns you.
Who to report it to
  1. England and WalesReport fraud through Report Fraud and keep the reference.
  2. Northern IrelandReport through Report Fraud; use 999 for immediate danger.
  3. In ScotlandReport to Police Scotland on 101; call 999 for immediate danger or a crime in progress.
  4. Bank complaintUse the bank’s complaint process, then the Financial Ombudsman Service if unresolved.

Scope of this guide

This guide helps you understand the options and questions to ask. It is not personal medical, legal or financial advice. Check the official sources for your nation and seek qualified help for high-stakes decisions.

If someone may be in immediate danger

Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency. For an urgent problem that is not clearly life-threatening, use the official NHS urgent-care route for the UK nation you are in. Have the address, symptoms, onset time, medicines and allergies ready.

Who this guide is for

People who have lost money or shared details in a scam, and trusted supporters helping them respond without blame.

A scam can leave someone frightened or embarrassed. Act quickly to limit loss, but do not blame them or take decisions away. A genuine bank or police service will not promise guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee. Protect privacy and keep the person involved.

What to do now

1. Call the bank or payment provider

If a caller claimed to be the bank, hang up and call 159 for a participating bank, or use the number on the card or official website. Tell the fraud team what happened and ask whether it can stop or recall a transfer, freeze a card or secure the account. For card or cash payments, ask about that method’s protections.

2. Secure email, phone and accounts

Use a safe device. Change the affected email password first, then any reused passwords; enable extra sign-in security. Ask phone and email providers to check recovery details and unexpected access. Contact other banks if their details may have been shared. Never install software or share a screen for an unsolicited caller.

3. Keep evidence and report correctly

Save messages, numbers, receipts, bank references and a short timeline. Do not reply to the suspected scammer. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report fraud through Report Fraud. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101; use 999 for immediate danger or a crime in progress. Keep the report reference.

4. Ask about transfer reimbursement

The PSR’s mandatory scheme for qualifying UK bank transfers began on 7 October 2024. Its current maximum is £85,000 per claim; a firm may apply an excess up to £100, but not to a vulnerable consumer. The bank investigates and rules apply, so reimbursement is not guaranteed in every case. Ask for its decision in writing.

5. Complain and avoid recovery scams

If unhappy with the bank’s decision, use its complaints process and then the Financial Ombudsman Service if unresolved. Ignore unexpected offers to recover money for a fee, tax or access code: these are often another scam. Ask a trusted person, Citizens Advice or Victim Support for support. Listen without judgement; stress and loss of confidence are common after fraud.

Warning signs and checks

Common questions

Can I get my money back after being scammed?

Possibly; it depends on the payment type and circumstances. Contact the bank immediately and ask it to investigate applicable protection. Qualifying UK bank transfers caused by an APP scam may be covered, but recovery is not guaranteed for every loss. If refused, request written reasons and use the bank complaint process.

What is the APP scam reimbursement limit?

The current mandatory scheme has a maximum of £85,000 per qualifying claim. A firm may apply an excess up to £100, but not to a vulnerable consumer. The bank assesses evidence under the scheme rules. If you disagree with its final response, you can take an eligible complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Should I pay a company that says it can recover my money?

Do not pay an upfront fee, tax or deposit to recover money, or share a password or access code. Recovery approaches are often another scam and may reuse details from the first fraud. Stop contact and ask your bank or a trusted advice service how to check a claim. Never let an unexpected caller control your device.

Where do I report a scam in Scotland?

In Scotland, report fraud to Police Scotland on 101, or use its online non-urgent reporting route. Call 999 if a crime is happening or someone is in immediate danger. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, use Report Fraud. Keep the reference for your bank; reporting does not decide reimbursement.

Differences across the UK

Report Fraud is for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, use Police Scotland on 101, or 999 for immediate danger. Reimbursement rules cover qualifying UK bank transfers; other payment types have separate protections. The Financial Ombudsman Service can consider eligible complaints about financial firms across the UK. If an overseas account or payment is involved, ask the bank which reporting route applies.

Primary sources

The publisher checked this guide against the 8 official sources below. This is an editorial source check, not approval by a clinician, lawyer or benefits adviser.

Editorial note: By Does Your Duck Quack.