Just been scammed?
Here is exactly what to do.
Take a breath. Thousands of sensible people are caught by scams every single day — being caught out does not make you foolish, it makes you human. Work through this page from the top. And if you would rather have a calm local person walk you through it, ring us — we will tell you honestly whether you need us or not.
If money is moving right now
Stop reading and ring your bank this second — dial 159 from your mobile. It is the UK anti-fraud line that connects you securely to your own bank. Banks can sometimes freeze a payment mid-transfer, but only if you are fast. Come back to this page afterwards.
The first hour — in this order
- Disconnect, do not delete
If a scammer connected to your computer or you clicked something dodgy, unplug the network cable or turn off the Wi-Fi on that device. Do not factory-reset it, do not delete emails, texts or files — everything is evidence, and a reset can destroy the proof your bank asks for.
- Ring your bank — dial 159
Tell them exactly what happened, even if it feels embarrassing. Ask them to check for pending payments, freeze anything suspicious, and note the fraud on your account. If card details were given out, they will cancel and reissue the card. UK banks must consider reimbursing you for authorised push payment fraud — speed helps your case.
- Change passwords — from a different device
Use your phone or another computer, not the one the scammer touched. Start with email (it is the master key to everything else), then banking, then anything that shares the same password. Turn on two-step verification as you go.
- Warn anyone who might be targeted next
If they had your email or Facebook, your contacts may already be getting messages "from you" asking for money. A quick message to family — "ignore anything odd from me today" — stops the scam spreading.
- Report it to Action Fraud
Online at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040. It takes about ten minutes and you will get a reference number your bank may ask for. In Scotland, ring Police Scotland on 101 instead.
- Get the device checked before trusting it again
If anyone had remote access, assume software was left behind. Do not use that computer for banking or email until it has been properly checked and cleaned. This is the bit we do — and we will tell you over the phone, free, whether your situation actually needs a visit.
The numbers that matter
Free UK anti-fraud line. Connects you to your own bank with no risk of a spoofed number.
Forward suspicious texts to 7726, free. Suspicious emails go to report@phishing.gov.uk.
We check what was installed, remove it, and secure your accounts with you. Plain English, no judgement.
What NOT to do
- Do not delete anything — messages, emails, call logs and screenshots are the evidence your bank and Action Fraud will want.
- Do not "test" the computer by logging into your bank to see if it still works. If a remote tool is on there, they are watching.
- Do not pay anyone who rings offering to get your money back. Recovery-scam callers target recent victims — they know you were scammed because they did it. Your bank will never ask for a fee to recover fraud losses.
- Do not move money to a "safe account". Banks never ask this. Anyone who does is the scam.
- Do not be rushed. Urgency is the scammer's tool. Every genuine organisation will let you hang up and call back on a number you found yourself.
- Do not beat yourself up. These operations are industrial and rehearsed. Report it, secure things, and move on — that is a win.
Worried but not sure if it was a scam?
Grey areas are common: a pop-up you clicked, a call you half-trusted, a text from a "delivery company". If something feels off, ring us and describe it. We will tell you in two minutes whether it is anything to worry about — that phone call costs you nothing, and we would far rather you rang about nothing than sat worrying.
Common questions
Someone had remote access to my computer. Is turning it off enough?
No. Turning it off ends the session but does not remove any software they installed. Disconnect it from the internet, leave it off, and get it checked before using it for anything sensitive — the remote-access tool may still be there waiting.
I paid a scammer by bank transfer. Can I get the money back?
Often, yes. UK banks must consider reimbursing authorised push payment fraud, and the sooner you report it the better your chances — banks can sometimes freeze funds mid-transfer. Call your bank immediately or dial 159.
Should I delete the scam emails and texts?
No — keep everything. Emails, texts, phone numbers, screenshots and receipts are all evidence for your bank and Action Fraud. Delete nothing until any investigation is finished.
Do I really need to report it to Action Fraud?
Yes. Even if the money is gone, your report helps build cases against organised fraud groups, and your bank and insurer may ask for the Action Fraud reference number. It takes about ten minutes online.
Need a human on this?
We are HomeTechGuys — local home IT support across Bradford, Leeds and West Yorkshire. Scam cleanup is one of our most common jobs: we remove remote-access tools, secure your email and passwords with you, and check honestly whether any harm was done. Ring 01274 905724 — advice on the phone is free.