When you report fraud, you can be offered support to help you deal with the experience. This can cover the practical steps to recover any money or data you’ve lost, and also emotional support.
In England and Wales
If you’ve been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime and have reported this to Action Fraud, you may be put in contact with the Action Fraud National Economic Crime Victim Care Unit (AF-NECVCU).
The aim of AF-NECVCU is to make victims feel safer, help them to recover from the crime and reduce the likelihood of them becoming a victim again. The service is provided by a team of specialists who tailor their advice to victims’ needs in a professional, sensitive and empathetic manner.
You can also access free advice and support through a national charity called Victim Support. Scroll down for details on how to contact them.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland
You can access free advice and support through the charity Victim Support. You can make contact with them yourself, or you can be referred by your local police force when you report fraud to them. Find out how to contact Victim Support services in your area below.
Fortunately for me, I got help from Victim Support, which has been a lifeline. I was assigned someone who I spoke to every week. She gave me emotional support as well as practical advice to help me feel safer and try to get my money back.
Contacting Victim Support
Victim Support is a national charity that offers independent, free and confidential advice to victims of crime and traumatic incidents.
If you’re in England and Wales:
Call the charity’s free 24/7 Supportline on 08 08 16 89 111 or start a Live Chat
Visit the website for more information.
If you’re in Scotland:
Call the Victim Support Scotland Helpline on 0800 160 1985 (lines open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm)
Or visit the website for more information and other ways to make contact.
If you’re in Northern Ireland:
To make an appointment to speak to someone from Victim Support NI, call the Hub closest to you:
Belfast 02890 243133
Foyle 02871 370086
Or visit the website for more information and other ways to make contact.
Reporting fraud
Whether you’ve seen something suspicious or you’ve become a victim of fraud, you should always report it. You can get support to recover any losses and you could help to stop it happening to others.