Reporting fraud

Action Fraud is the national fraud reporting centre and has taken over the responsibility of recording fraud in Avon and Somerset.

Action Fraud provides a central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime.

If you've been scammed, ripped off or conned, there is something you can do about it:

What is fraud?

In its base form, fraud is when some form of trickery is used to gain a dishonest advantage – often financial – over another person, group of people or business.

There are now more than 140 types of fraud being committed regularly throughout the UK, generating income worth £73 billion every year.

The main types of fraud are:

• individual (where a person is targeted directly)
• corporate fraud (fraud committed against a business)
• online fraud (using the internet to commit a crime)
• advance fee fraud (where victims are encouraged to make up-front payments for goods, services or financial gains which do not materialise)

Why can’t I report all fraud to my local police?

Previously you could report fraud directly to the police by calling 101 or visiting your local police station – streamlining how fraud is reported and information gathered across England and Wales will provide better investigative opportunities for police to work together to tackle fraud nationally.

When can I report fraud to police?

• If the crime is in progress and the offender is at the scene
• You know someone committing fraud and they live in Avon and Somerset
• The offender is nearby
• You're reporting fraud involving a vehicle, plant, boat, animal or trailer

For advice and support visit the support and prevention pages of the Action Fraud website and follow them on Twitter @actionfrauduk.