Scammers took an estimated £9.4 billion from UK consumers over the past 12 months, according to the State of Scams in the UK report from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Cifas published on 24 August 2026. Cifas separately logged more than 220,000 fraud cases in the first half of 2026, 59% of them identity fraud.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED Scammers took an estimated £9.4 billion from UK consumers over the past 12 months, according to the State of Scams in the UK report from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Cifas published on 24 August 2026. Cifas separately logged more than 220,000 fraud cases in the first half of 2026, 59% of them identity fraud.
- UK consumers lost an estimated £9.4 billion to scams over 12 months (GASA / Cifas, 24 August 2026).
- Over 220,000 fraud cases were recorded to the National Fraud Database in H1 2026, the highest half-year total.
- Identity fraud made up 59% of those recorded cases.
- Report scam texts by forwarding to 7726; report fraud to Action Fraud or Police Scotland on 101.
- Always verify a firm on the FCA register and watch for cloned-firm warnings.
KEY FACTS
- UK consumers lost an estimated £9.4 billion to scams over 12 months (GASA / Cifas, 24 August 2026).
- Over 220,000 fraud cases were recorded to the National Fraud Database in H1 2026, the highest half-year total.
- Identity fraud made up 59% of those recorded cases.
- Report scam texts by forwarding to 7726; report fraud to Action Fraud or Police Scotland on 101.
- Always verify a firm on the FCA register and watch for cloned-firm warnings.
What the report found
UK consumers lost an estimated £9.4 billion to scams over the past 12 months, according to the State of Scams in the UK report from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Cifas, published on 24 August 2026. The figure covers losses across bank transfers, card payments, investment fraud and other schemes. The report also shows a record number of fraud cases being logged nationally.
The report, produced jointly by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Cifas, draws on data from the National Fraud Database and industry sources. It found that the scale of losses has continued to rise as criminals use more sophisticated methods to target consumers through phone calls, text messages, emails and social media.
In the first half of 2026, more than 220,000 fraud cases were recorded to the National Fraud Database. This was the highest half-year total on record, according to Cifas. The increase was driven largely by a sharp rise in identity fraud, where criminals use stolen personal details to open accounts or obtain credit.
Where the money is being lost
Losses are spread across several scam types, with investment fraud and purchase scams accounting for a significant share of the £9.4 billion total. Bank transfer fraud, where victims are tricked into sending money directly to criminals, also remains a major source of losses. The report highlights that criminals are increasingly using cloned websites and fake customer service lines.
Investment scams often begin with unsolicited contact offering high returns on shares, bonds, cryptocurrency or foreign exchange. Victims are frequently directed to professional-looking websites that mimic legitimate firms. Purchase scams involve adverts for goods or services that never arrive, with payments taken through bank transfer or card.
The report notes that criminals are also exploiting current events and cost-of-living pressures to make their approaches more convincing. Fake energy bill rebates, tax refunds and delivery charges were among the tactics identified. In many cases, the first contact is a text message or email designed to create urgency and prompt an immediate response.
The identity-fraud surge
Identity fraud made up 59% of the 220,000-plus cases recorded in the first half of 2026. This means criminals are using stolen personal information such as names, addresses and dates of birth to apply for credit cards, loans and mobile phone contracts. The data suggests that personal data is being obtained through data breaches, phishing and social media.
Cifas said the rise in identity fraud reflects both an increase in criminal activity and improved detection by member organisations. When a case is logged to the National Fraud Database, it alerts other banks and lenders to the risk, helping to prevent further applications being made in the victim's name.
Consumers are advised to monitor their credit reports regularly and to be cautious about sharing personal information online. The report recommends using strong, unique passwords for online accounts and enabling two-factor authentication where available. It also warns against responding to unsolicited requests for personal details, even if the sender appears to be a trusted organisation.
How to protect yourself
Before sending money or sharing personal details, always verify that a firm is genuine. Search the FCA register to confirm a company is authorised, and check for cloned-firm warnings on the regulator's website. Be wary of unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, and requests to move money to a safe account.
Scammers often use the names of real banks, police forces and government departments to build trust. If you receive a call or message out of the blue, do not use the contact details provided. Instead, find the official number or website independently and contact the organisation directly.
For online purchases, use a credit card or a payment service that offers buyer protection. Avoid paying by bank transfer to someone you do not know. When investing, check the FCA register and be sceptical of promises of high returns with little risk. If an investment opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is.
How to report a scam and recover money
If you have been targeted, report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726. Report fraud to Action Fraud, or call 101 if you are in Scotland. Contact your bank immediately if you have lost money, as authorised push payment reimbursement rules may apply. You can escalate unresolved complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Reporting a scam helps law enforcement build a picture of criminal activity and can prevent others from becoming victims. The 7726 service, run by mobile network operators, allows you to report suspicious texts free of charge. Action Fraud is the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
When contacting your bank, act quickly and provide as much detail as possible about the transaction. Under the authorised push payment reimbursement rules, you may be entitled to a refund if you were tricked into authorising a payment. If your bank rejects your claim, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed and, if necessary, take the case to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
How much did UK consumers lose to scams this year?
An estimated £9.4 billion over the past 12 months, according to the GASA and Cifas State of Scams report published on 24 August 2026.
What is the most common type of fraud right now?
Identity fraud, which made up 59% of the 220,000-plus cases logged to the National Fraud Database in the first half of 2026.
How do I report a scam text or call?
Forward suspicious texts to 7726 and report fraud to Action Fraud, or call 101 in Scotland.
How can I check a firm is genuine?
Search the FCA register and check for cloned-firm warnings before sending money or sharing details.
Can I get my money back after a scam?
Contact your bank immediately; authorised push payment reimbursement rules may apply, and you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
RELATED GUIDES
DISCLAIMER
This article is editorial information, not financial advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures were correct at the last review date shown above; verify current rates and rules with the primary sources listed below before acting.
Frequently asked questions
How much did UK consumers lose to scams this year?
An estimated £9.4 billion over the past 12 months, according to the GASA and Cifas State of Scams report published on 24 August 2026.
What is the most common type of fraud right now?
Identity fraud, which made up 59% of the 220,000-plus cases logged to the National Fraud Database in the first half of 2026.
How do I report a scam text or call?
Forward suspicious texts to 7726 and report fraud to Action Fraud, or call 101 in Scotland.
How can I check a firm is genuine?
Search the FCA register and check for cloned-firm warnings before sending money or sharing details.
Can I get my money back after a scam?
Contact your bank immediately; authorised push payment reimbursement rules may apply, and you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
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