What to do when you have experienced a scam

Scams are becoming more sophisticated with the adoption of AI, and even people who consider themselves careful can fall victim. If it has happened to you, don’t feel embarrassed — reporting it helps protect you and others.

This guide explains the most common scams, how to spot them, and the steps you can take to safeguard your money and personal information.

"It’s important that we all report fraud, keep clear notes on what we’ve seen, and do our part to protect customers and society. There is no judgment when raising scams—we are here to help."

Richard Daniels, Fraud and Financial Crime Director

How to spot if you’ve been targeted by a scam

Scams can show up in many different forms but there are some common ones that appear often. We have given you a breakdown of these below.

Signs of a scam

• Unexpected calls, texts, or emails from people impersonating business entities. A text from a delivery services company is a common scam
• Requests for personal or financial information
• Offers that seem too good to be true
• Payment requests via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency

Common types of scam

• Phishing email scams: Messages often sent by emails, tricking you into revealing personal information
• Online shopping scams: Fake retailers or sellers that take payment but never deliver
• Romance scams: Emotional manipulation leading to requests for money
• Fake job offers: Fraudulent roles asking for fees or personal data

Learn more about these by reading: 5 scams to watch out for.

Recognising emotional manipulation at the start of a scam 

Scammers often rely on your emotions to pressure you into acting quickly. They may create urgency, fear, or even excitement to cloud your judgment.

Tips to stay in control:

• Stop and think before reacting to requests
• Look for inconsistencies or unusual requests
• Talk to someone you trust before making decisions

Immediate actions if you’ve been targeted 

1. Stop contact with a scammer

• Block emails, phone numbers, and social media accounts from the scammer
• Do not reply to further messages, even if they are putting you under pressure

2. Protect your personal information

• Change passwords for email, banking, and shopping accounts
• Update security questions and enable two-factor authentication
• Contact your bank to freeze affected accounts or cards

3. Document the scam

• Take screenshots and save emails
• Record names, phone numbers, conversations, and transaction details
• This evidence helps your bank and authorities investigate

4. Report the scam

• Forward suspicious emails to emailscams@tsb.co.uk
• Report phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
• Report suspicious texts to 7726 (free)
• Inform your bank by dialling 159 and consider contacting the  Fraud Prevention Team
• Let friends and family know if your accounts may have been compromised

Managing financial loss after a scam 

Take a moment to look over your recent bank statements and credit report at your own pace. Keep an eye out for anything that seems unfamiliar or out of place – even small or unexpected transactions can sometimes be early signs of a scam.

1. Assess the impact

• Review recent bank statements and your credit report
• Look out for unfamiliar transactions, even small ones

2. Get help quickly

• Contact your bank (call 159) immediately if you notice suspicious activity
• Seek professional guidance if legal or complex financial matters are involved
• Reach out to consumer protection organisations or financial advisers. You can find more information about getting the right advice online and always ensure the advisor is registered with the FCA.

3. Seek emotional support 

Scams can take a toll on wellbeing as they become stressful and hard to manage.

• Speak to someone you trust
• Helplines such as Mind or Victim Support can provide non-judgemental advice

Find more information on how TSB can support you.

Preventing Scams in the Future

Discovering that you’ve been scammed can be deeply upsetting, and it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed. But acting, even taking small steps, can really help. Scams are becoming more sophisticated and can’t always be avoided, but there are steps you can take to ensure you are fully prepared.

1. Secure your digital presence

• Use strong, unique passwords and avoid reusing them across accounts
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Keep antivirus and anti-malware software up to date
• Make sure social media profiles are private and avoid oversharing personal info

2. Stay educated

• Be cautious about sharing information online
• Monitor bank accounts and credit reports regularly
• Visit TSB’s Fraud Prevention Centre for up-to-date tips

3. Spot red flags early

• Check reviews and verified contact information
• Be aware of unsolicited requests for personal or financial info

4. Help others stay safe

• Share what you’ve learned with friends and family
• Encourage less tech-savvy individuals to be vigilant

By following the guidance here, you’ll be in a stronger position to limit the impact, begin your recovery, and feel more protected moving forward. 

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