TL;DR: On January 20, 2026, City of London Police announced the full public launch of Report Fraud, a single national gateway for reporting fraud and cyber crime across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The City of London Corporation contributed £13.2 million to develop and launch the service and £2.5 million a year towards running costs.
What happened
City of London Police describe cyber crime and fraud as the most common crime in the UK, around 50 per cent of all offences. Report Fraud is a single national reporting, triage and intelligence platform, which the release says is happening “for the first time”.
It routes intelligence to forces, identifies serious and complex cases for specialist investigation, and aims to give victims a consistent national standard of care and support. A national advertising campaign called “Every Report Counts” began the week of January 19.
Why it works
A single front door matters because scammers target victims across force areas, and joined-up reports help police see patterns. The release does not mention Action Fraud, so it does not compare the two services.
Report Fraud can help you make a report to police, provide advice and support, and explain how to protect yourself.
Background: our explainers on how to file a police report for identity theft. See also 31 Arrests in Crackdown on Online Fraud-as-a-Service Groups and Operation Henhouse 2026: 557 Arrests and £18.1m Seized.
How to report
- Call 0300 123 2040.
- Report online at reportfraud.police.uk.
- In Scotland, report fraud to Police Scotland by calling 101.
- Tell your bank first if money has left your account, and ask about reimbursement.
If you have already sent money
Contact your bank immediately, using the number on your card or by dialling 159, and ask about stopping the payment and reimbursement, then report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Our guides on UK fraud reporting and APP reimbursement rules, UK bank impersonation scams and how to reverse a wire transfer scam explain what to expect, and what to do after a scam, wherever you live covers the first 24 hours. Scammers often start with details taken from past leaks, so run our free digital footprint check to see what of yours is already exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Report Fraud launch?
City of London Police announced the full public launch on January 20, 2026.
Which areas does it cover?
England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How do I contact it?
Call 0300 123 2040 or report online at reportfraud.police.uk.
What is the campaign called?
“Every Report Counts”.
Sources
Related Reading
- 31 Arrests in Crackdown on Online Fraud-as-a-Service Groups
- Operation Henhouse 2026: 557 Arrests and £18.1m Seized
- Scamwatch Alert: Fake Personal Loan Providers Charge Upfront Fees
- UK Scam News: October 2026 Roundup and Warnings
- Average Loss per Victim by Scam Type (2025)
- What to do after a scam, wherever you live