Action Fraud is Dead: How to Use the New 'Report Fraud' UK Service in 2026
For years, the advice after being scammed was always the same: 'Call Action Fraud.' But for many people, that experience was frustrating—long wait times and a feeling that your report was just disappearing into a giant black hole. In early 2026, the UK government finally launched the streamlined 'Report Fraud' service. The old system is gone, replaced by a £250 million Fraud Strategy.
If you are asking how to report a scam uk or looking for a way to get a crime reference number for your bank, the process has changed. The new service is designed to be 'Victim-First,' offering immediate advice and better links to local police. Today, we’ll walk you through the 2026 reporting process and explain why reporting every scam message and phishing email is vital for our national cyber security.
The New 'Report Fraud' Dashboard
You can reach the new service at reportfraud.police.uk. Unlike the old site, this one is optimized for tablets and smartphones. The 2026 update includes an AI assistant that helps you categorize your scam correctly—whether it was a romance scam, an HMRC scam, or an ai deepfake call. This ensures that the right specialists see your case immediately.
3 Things You Get from a Report
- A Crime Reference Number (CRN): You need this to prove to your bank that you were a victim of identity fraud so they can refund your money.
- Immediate Prevention Advice: The site gives you a personalized 'Checklist' based on the scam you suffered.
- Direct Link to Victim Support: If the scam has caused you distress, the new service connects you to local UK charities for retirees.
What to Do Next
If you receive a suspicious text today, forward it to 7726 first. If you have been a victim, go to reportfraud.police.uk immediately. Your report helps the police find patterns and shut down the international criminal networks targeting the UK. Silence is a scammer's best friend—don't give it to them. Welcome to the side of the 2026 digital defenders.
The Golden Rule: Even if you didn't lose money, report the scam. Your data is the key that helps the police lock the criminals away.