BEEN SCAMMED?

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed Online or on WhatsApp in the UK.

Online scams are increasingly common in the UK, with fraudsters using WhatsApp, social media, emails and fake websites to steal money and personal information. If you’ve been scammed online or via WhatsApp, acting quickly can help reduce financial loss and protect your identity.

This guide explains what to do if you’ve been scammed online in the UK, who to report it to, and how to protect yourself in the future.

How Common Are Online and WhatsApp Scams in the UK?

Online fraud is now the most common crime in the UK. Scammers frequently use:

• WhatsApp messages pretending to be friends, family, or businesses

• Fake investment or crypto opportunities

• Online shopping scams

• Romance and dating scams

• Bank and delivery impersonation messages

Knowing the correct steps to take after a scam can make a significant difference.

Step 1: Stop Contact With the Scammer Immediately

As soon as you realise you may have been scammed:

• Stop replying to messages

• Do not send more money or information

• Do not click on further links

Scammers often use fear or urgency to pressure victims — ignoring them is the safest response.

Step 2: Contact Your Bank or Payment Provider Straight Away

If you’ve lost money or shared banking details, contact your bank immediately. Many UK banks have dedicated fraud teams available 24/7.

Your bank may be able to:

• Freeze your account

• Reverse or recall payments

• Block cards and issue replacements

• Investigate fraud under UK reimbursement rules

This applies whether you paid via:

• Bank transfer

• Debit or credit card

• PayPal or digital banking apps

Even if you’re unsure a scam has occurred, it’s better to report it early.

Step 3: Secure Your Online Accounts

After an online or WhatsApp scam, protect your digital security:

• Change passwords on email, banking and social media accounts

• Use strong, unique passwords

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

• Scan your device for malware

If your email account has been compromised, securing it should be your top priority.

Step 4: Report the Scam to Action Fraud

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report online scams to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre.

You should report:

• WhatsApp scams

• Online shopping fraud

• Investment and crypto scams

• Romance scams

• Identity theft

After reporting, you’ll receive a crime reference number, which may be required by your bank or insurer.

In Scotland, report fraud to Police Scotland.

Step 5: Report and Block the Scammer on WhatsApp

If the scam occurred on WhatsApp:

1. Open the chat

2. Tap the contact name

3. Select Report and Block

You should also report scams on any platform where they occurred, such as Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), or online marketplaces.

Step 6: Beware of Scam Recovery Services

Many scam victims are later targeted by so-called “recovery experts” offering to get money back — for a fee. These are often secondary scams.

Be cautious of anyone who:

• Contacts you unexpectedly

• Promises guaranteed recovery

• Requests upfront payment

• Claims to work with banks or police without proof

Legitimate organisations do not cold-call scam victims.

Step 7: Get Support if You’ve Been Affected by Fraud

Being scammed can be emotionally distressing. Victims often experience stress, anxiety and embarrassment, but it’s important to remember that scams are designed to manipulate people.

Free, confidential support is available in the UK through victim support organisations. If you need private help we at AKELITECLUB will send you a contact of a good psychologist,

How to Avoid Online and WhatsApp Scams in the Future

To reduce the risk of being scammed:

• Be cautious of urgent or threatening messages

• Don’t move conversations to WhatsApp without verifying the sender

• Never share one-time passcodes or banking details

• Be sceptical of offers that seem too good to be true

• If you were scammed, send a report to us to log it in our blacklist group to warn others,

  
  

  If you would like to join our groups just message us in the contact form with the subject groups.

  
  

Taking time to pause and verify can prevent most online scams.