Report Fraud UK: How to Use the New 2026 Police Portal
For over a decade, UK households were told to 'Call Action Fraud' if they were targeted by scammers. But the service was often criticized for being slow and overwhelming. In early 2026, that system was officially retired. It has been replaced by a brand-new, £250 million Fraud Shield and the **Report Fraud** portal. This is the biggest change in UK cyber security history, and for anyone over 60, it is a vital tool to understand.
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 just become much easier. Today, we’ll walk you through the new 2026 dashboard and explain why reporting every scam message and phishing email is the only way to protect your community. It’s time to fight back with the full weight of the UK police behind you.
The New 'Victim-First' System
You can reach the new service at reportfraud.police.uk. Unlike the old site, this one was designed for simplicity. In 2026, it uses an AI assistant to help you categorize your scam. Whether you were targeted by an ai voice clone, a fake HMRC refund text, or a romance scam, the system ensures the right investigators see your case within minutes, not weeks. This is the ultimate in fraud prevention.
3 Things to Have Ready Before You Report
- The 'Link' or Number: Do not delete the scam text! The police need the phone number or the website address to shut down the hacker's infrastructure.
- The Time and Date: Scammers use 'Boiler Rooms' that operate on specific schedules. Knowing when they called helps the police find them.
- Your Bank’s Name: If money was moved, the new system can talk directly to your bank to help freeze the transaction faster than ever before.
Why Every Small Report Matters
Many retirees feel embarrassed or think: 'I only lost £20, it’s not worth the bother.' But in 2026, the UK police use Big Data to find patterns. Your £20 report might be the 'Missing Piece' that links a local scammer to an international criminal network. By reporting, you are protecting your neighbors. This is a core part of online safety basics—being part of the national defense.
What to Do Next
If you receive a suspicious text today, forward it to 7726 immediately. If you have been a victim of a crime, go to reportfraud.police.uk before you even call your family. The portal will give you a 'Crime Reference Number' which you **must** have to get a refund from your bank. In 2026, you aren't alone in this fight. The UK has the strongest fraud laws in the world—make sure you use them.
The Golden Rule: Silence is a scammer's best friend. Speak up, report the fraud, and use the 2026 portal to lock the criminal out of your community for good.