Scams and fraud

Anyone can be affected by fraud

Anyone can be affected by fraud or scams, regardless of their age, intelligence, education, background or experience. Fraudsters can be highly convincing and use increasingly sophisticated ways to gain people's trust, get personal information, or persuade them to part with money.

Being targeted by a scam does not mean that you have been careless or foolish. Fraudsters deliberately create situations designed to make people respond quickly, often before they have had time to stop, think or check whether something is genuine. UK Government fraud guidance confirms that anyone can be targeted and highlights tactics such as impersonating a trusted organisation, creating false urgency, exploiting emotions, and building relationships.

If you have been affected by a scam

If you have been tricked by a scam, you are not to blame. Scammers deliberately use manipulation and deception to take advantage of people's trust, emotions and circumstances.

They may pretend to be someone you trust, such as your bank, a government organisation, a business, a friend or a family member. They might create a sense of urgency, tell you something bad will happen if you do not act immediately, offer an opportunity that seems too good to miss, or take time to build a relationship with you. These techniques are designed to lower our guards and influence the decisions we make.

If you think you have been scammed, do not feel embarrassed about asking for help or reporting it. Speaking up can help you get support and can help protect other people too.

Report fraud and cyber crime

Report Fraud is the national service for reporting fraud and cyber crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It replaced Action Fraud in December 2025. You can use the service to report what has happened, find information about protecting yourself and get further help and support.

You can report fraud online at any time, or speak to an adviser by calling 0300 123 2040.

Report fraud or cyber crime through Report Fraud

If you or someone else is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, call 999. Norfolk Community Safety Partnership also uses this advice alongside its fraud reporting information.

Learn how to spot scams

Become a 'Friend Against Scams'

You can learn more about scams and how to protect yourself and others by completing the free Friends Against Scams awareness training.

The training helps you understand different types of scams, recognise signs to look out for, and know how to support someone who may have been affected. Several versions are available, including an 8-minute video, a20-minute interactive online session, aBritish Sign Language version, and an accessible version for people with a learning disability.

Complete the Friends Against Scams online awareness training

Fraud and scams in Norfolk

Local information and support

The Norfolk Community Safety Partnership works with the Norfolk Against Scams Partnership to help protect Norfolk residents and businesses from scams, doorstep crime and fraud. Their work includes increasing awareness of fraud, helping people understand how to stay safe, improving professionals' knowledge and supporting people who have been affected.

You can find more information about fraud and scams in Norfolk, including reporting routes, Friends Against Scams, Norfolk Trading Standards scam alerts, and sources of support, on the Partnership's website.

Find out more from the Norfolk Community Safety Partnership

Get help with online scams

You can speak to scam at Citizens Advice, and they will let you know what to do next and support you on the issues you might be facing. 

Find out more at Citizens Advice

Support for scam victims

Every year, millions of people in the UK are scammed – from all walks of life. If you have fallen victim to a scam, it can be devastating. Age UK provides details on what you can do if you are a victim of scams.

Find out more at Age UK

Take Five to stop fraud

Take Five is a national campaign offering straightforward, impartial advice that helps prevent email, phone-based and online fraud. 

Find out more at Take Five

Report a scam

Report a scam to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) if you think you've been contacted by an unauthorised firm or individual trying to scam you. 

Report a scam

Could someone have stolen your identity?

If someone manages to steal your identity, they could open bank accounts, obtain credit cards or loans, take out mobile phone contracts or buy things in your name.

Find out more at Money Helper