Official UK Resources — Anti-Fraud Organisations & Guidance
Reporting Fraud
| Organisation | Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Action Fraud | UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. Reports are assessed by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB). | Tel: 0300 123 2040 Website: actionfraud.police.uk |
| Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | Regulates financial firms. Use to check the Financial Services Register, the FCA Warning List, and to report unauthorised firms. | Tel: 0800 111 6768 Website: fca.org.uk |
| Companies House | Official register of UK companies. Search company records, director histories, and filing histories. Report concerns about company conduct. | Website: find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk |
| Citizens Advice | Free, impartial advice on consumer rights. Can refer matters to Trading Standards. | England: 0800 144 8848 Wales: 0800 702 2020 Scotland: 0808 800 9060 |
| Local Police | For immediate threats or where criminal conduct is suspected. Non-emergency: 101. Emergency: 999. | 101 (non-emergency) 999 (emergency) |
Verification & Due Diligence Tools
| Resource | What It Does |
|---|---|
| FCA Financial Services Register | Check whether a firm or individual is authorised by the FCA to conduct regulated activities. Search by firm name, individual name, or reference number. |
| FCA Warning List | Search for firms that the FCA has issued warnings against. Includes unauthorised firms and known scams. |
| Companies House Search | Look up UK registered companies, view directors, check annual accounts, and review filing history for irregularities. |
| Land Registry | Verify property ownership. You can obtain title deeds and registers for a small fee to confirm who owns a property. |
| RICS Find a Surveyor | Find a qualified chartered surveyor for independent property valuations through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. |
| Law Society Find a Solicitor | Find a regulated solicitor for independent legal advice on property transactions, fraud, or commercial disputes. |
Victim Support
| Organisation | Support Provided |
|---|---|
| Victim Support | Free, confidential support for victims of crime, including fraud. Available regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the police. Tel: 0808 168 9111. |
| Citizens Advice | Guidance on rights, next steps, and available remedies. Free and impartial. |
| Money Advice Service (MoneyHelper) | Free, government-backed guidance on financial matters. Can help with understanding your options after financial loss. |
| Samaritans | If fraud has affected your mental health, the Samaritans provide confidential emotional support. Tel: 116 123 (free, 24/7). |
Educational Resources
- FCA ScamSmart: The FCA's consumer awareness campaign to help people avoid investment scams. Includes tools and quizzes.
- Take Five to Stop Fraud: A national campaign by UK Finance to encourage people to pause and think before making financial decisions.
- Get Safe Online: Free expert advice on online safety, including how to spot scams and protect your personal information.
- National Trading Standards — Scams Team: Works to identify and support victims of scams, particularly those targeted by mass marketing fraud.
Recommended Actions
- Check the FCA Register before committing to any property investment
- Search Companies House for any company you are asked to invest in
- Obtain independent legal advice before signing contracts or transferring money
- Report suspected fraud to Action Fraud promptly
- Contact your bank immediately if you believe you have been defrauded
- Seek emotional support if the experience is affecting your wellbeing