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TRACE RELACRYX

If it has already happened

Get help

You are not alone, and you did nothing wrong. These frauds are run by professionals, and the people who handle reports see them every day.

First, three things

  1. Do not send anything more, and do not pay to get your money back. Anyone asking for a fee to recover it is running a second scam.
  2. If money has gone, contact your bank straight away, using the number on your card or in your banking app, never a number someone gave you.
  3. If you are being threatened with images, do not pay, stop contact, keep screenshots, and report. It is a crime, and it is not your fault. Read the full guide.

Australia

Call your bank now

Use the number on your card or in your banking app. Ask them to stop or recall the payment. Then report at ReportCyber and Scamwatch.

Report it

  • ReportCyber

    cyber.gov.au/report, run by the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

  • Australian Cyber Security Hotline: 1300 292 371

    Guidance if you think you have been compromised.

  • Scamwatch

    scamwatch.gov.au, run by the National Anti-Scam Centre.

Blackmail and private images

  • eSafety Commissioner

    esafety.gov.au, to report image-based abuse and get images removed.

  • Take It Down

    takeitdown.ncmec.org, for images taken when you were under 18. Your image stays on your device.

Someone to talk to

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14

    Crisis support, 24 hours, 7 days.

Your rights in Australia

  • Complain to your bank first, in writing if you can, and keep a copy.
  • The Scams Prevention Framework Act 2025 puts new duties on banks, telcos, and digital platforms to prevent and respond to scams.
  • From 31 March 2027, you can complain to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) under the Scams Prevention Framework, for scams on or after that date. AFCA can already hear complaints about how your bank handled things.

India

Call 1930, the National Cyber Crime Helpline

If money has gone, call 1930 straight away. Fast reporting gives the best chance of the money being frozen before it moves on.

Call 1930

Report it

  • National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

    cybercrime.gov.in, to file a formal complaint online.

  • Your bank's fraud line

    Use the number on your card or in your bank's official app, never a number from the message or call.

Blackmail and private images

  • Take It Down

    takeitdown.ncmec.org, for images taken when you were under 18. Your image stays on your device; only a digital fingerprint is shared with platforms.

  • Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930

    Sextortion is a crime. You can report it.

Someone to talk to

  • Tele-MANAS: 14416

    Free, 24 hours, mental health support from the Government of India, in many languages. Also 1-800-891-4416.

Your rights in India

  • Report to your bank immediately. Under RBI rules, how quickly you report an unauthorised electronic transaction affects how much of the loss you can be asked to bear. Reporting within three working days gives the strongest protection.
  • RBI's rules cover transactions you did not authorise. If you were tricked into making the payment yourself, report it anyway: the bank and 1930 can still try to freeze the money.
  • RBI has updated these rules since 2017. Your bank must tell you the current policy, and you can check rbi.org.in.
  • If your bank does not resolve your complaint, you can escalate to the RBI Ombudsman.

United Kingdom

Call 159 to reach your bank

159 connects you securely to your bank's fraud team. If money has gone, call now. Then report to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) on 0300 123 2040.

Call 159

Report it

  • Report Fraud: 0300 123 2040

    The UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, run by the City of London Police and formerly called Action Fraud. Online at reportfraud.police.uk.

  • Forward scam texts to 7726

    Free, and helps networks block the sender.

  • Forward scam emails

    To [email protected], run by the National Cyber Security Centre.

Blackmail and private images

  • Report Remove (Childline and IWF)

    For under 18s: report a nude image of yourself so it can be removed. You don't have to give your real name.

  • Take It Down

    takeitdown.ncmec.org, for images taken when you were under 18. Your image stays on your device.

Someone to talk to

  • Samaritans: 116 123

    Free, 24 hours a day, from any phone. The call does not appear on your bill.

Your rights in the UK

  • If you were tricked into sending a UK bank transfer (Faster Payments or CHAPS) on or after 7 October 2024, you may be entitled to reimbursement of up to £85,000 under the Payment Systems Regulator's rules.
  • Claim with your bank within 13 months of the last payment. Banks must normally reimburse within 5 business days, or up to 35 if they need more information.
  • A £100 excess may be applied, but not if you are a vulnerable customer.
  • If you are unhappy with your bank's answer, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Anywhere else

Contact your bank or payment provider now

Use the number on your card or in your bank's official app. Ask them to stop or recall the payment and to secure your account. Then report it to your national police or cybercrime reporting service.

Report it

  • Your national police or cybercrime reporting service

    Most countries have an online reporting portal. Search for it by typing your country's official government website address yourself.

  • The platform where it happened

    Report the account, message, or listing to the app, website, or marketplace. It helps stop the same person targeting others.

Blackmail and private images

  • Take It Down

    takeitdown.ncmec.org, for images taken when you were under 18, from anywhere in the world. Your image stays on your device; only a digital fingerprint is shared with platforms.

  • Report to the platform and your local police

    Sextortion is a crime in most countries. Keep screenshots of the threats.

Someone to talk to

  • Find A Helpline

    findahelpline.com lists free, confidential helplines in many countries.

  • Your local emergency number

    If you are in immediate danger, call it now.

Your rights

  • Many countries limit how much you can be asked to pay when money is taken without your permission, and some now require banks to refund scam victims. The rules differ, so ask your bank in writing what protections apply to you.
  • Report quickly. In most places, the faster you tell your bank, the stronger your position.
  • If your bank's answer seems unfair, ask how to escalate to your country's financial ombudsman or regulator.