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Scam Statistics in the UK
Here are some eye‑opening numbers that show just how serious online fraud has become in UK:
- Billions of dollars are lost every year.
- Scams range from fake investment schemes to phishing emails and phone calls.
- Victims aren't just losing money they're losing trust, security, and peace of mind.
Scammers continue to target people across the UK, but residents now have more ways than ever to report suspicious activity. The government, alongside key partners, is stepping up efforts to protect the public and crack down on fraud.
Despite growing awareness campaigns, the financial toll remains staggering. Last year alone, losses exceeded €3 billion and the true figure may be even higher due to underreporting. Fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, making it crucial for individuals to stay alert and know how to respond.
In this guide, you'll discover the channels available for reporting scams in the UK and learn where to turn for support if you've been affected.
| Country | Population | Internet Penetration | # of Scams | Scams / 1,000 | Money Lost | Money Lost / Capita | Money Lost / Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 67.1M | 95% | 1.35M | 20.1 | £1.9B | £28.3 | £1.41K |
| 2021 | 67.3M | 96% | 1.55M | 23.0 | £2.4B | £35.7 | £1.55K |
| 2022 | 67.5M | 96% | 1.65M | 24.4 | £2.9B | £43.0 | £1.76K |
| 2023 | 67.8M | 97% | 1.75M | 25.8 | £3.4B | £50.1 | £1.94K |
| 2024 | 68.1M | 97% | 1.85M | 27.2 | £4.0B | £58.7 | £2.16K |
| 2025 | 68.4M | 98% | 1.95M | 28.5 | £4.6B | £67.3 | £2.36K |
The figures in the table will differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.
Here's a structured draft of the UK, highlighting common scams and how victims can report them or seek help.
Common Scams
- HMRC tax refund scams
- Visa and immigration fraud
- Phishing emails and text message scams
- Investment and pension fraud
Reporting Mechanisms
- National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC): forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
- Text scams: forward to 7726 (free service)
- Action Fraud (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland (101) for victims
