If you think you’ve been contacted by a fraudster or unauthorised firm, find out which scams we can look into and how to make a report.
First published: 05/03/2020 Last updated: 10/04/2024 See all updates
On this page 
- Scams we can't help with
- How to report a scam
Beware of scammers pretending to be from the FCA. We’d never ask you to transfer money to us and we’d never ask for your bank account PINs and passwords. Find out how to spot fake FCA communications, the tactics scammers use and methods of contact.
Anyone can be the target of a scam. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference between a con and a genuine offer. If you’re contacted about:
- an investment
- your pension
- taking out a loan or credit
- insurance and warranty products
- making a claim
Or if you're suspicious about an investment you’ve seen online, or a financial service you’ve paid for, please report it to us. We look into every report we receive, and it could help protect others.
If you’ve given scammers any of your personal information, or you’ve made a payment, tell your bank immediately using the contact details on the Financial Services Register.
Scams we can't help with
We can only look into scams that involve financial services we regulate. We can't help with:
- driving licence scams
- TV licence scams
- HMRC and tax scams
- competition or lottery scams
- eBay/Gumtree/Amazon merchant scams (for example, the seller not delivering goods)
If you’ve been contacted about one of these scams:
- contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the website. If you live in Scotland, you should report to Police Scotland by calling 101, or contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000
- get in touch with the relevant organisation or regulator
If you get a suspicious email, text or phone call claiming to be from HMRC, find out how to report it.
How to report a scam
To report a scam or an unauthorised firm, contact us via phone or via our contact form.
We're open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.
- 0800 111 6768 (freephone)
- 0300 500 8082 from the UK
- +44 207 066 1000 from abroad
Our team will take details of the scam and give you guidance on your next steps.
Calls using next generation text relay, please call us on (18001) 0207 066 1000.
: Information added on fake FCA communications
: Editorial amendment Page update as part of the website refresh
: Information changed 'How to report a scam' updated.
: Link changed Money Advice Service updated to MoneyHelper
: Information changed 'How to report a scam' updated.
: Editorial amendment 'Register' changed to 'FS Register'
On this page
- Scams we can't help with
- How to report a scam
