People often know a call was not right but are less certain about where to report it. That uncertainty means many incidents are never recorded properly. This guide is here to make the choice clearer: who handles what, what evidence is useful, and why reporting still matters even when you do not expect an instant result.
Report fraud to Action Fraud
If the call involved deception, attempted theft, stolen account access, fake bank checks, investment fraud, impersonation, or pressure to move money, Action Fraud is usually the right place to start. The report creates a formal record and may be important later if your bank or another organisation asks for a crime reference number.
Report unlawful marketing or data misuse to the ICO
If the issue is repeated sales calls, ignored opt-out requests, or a business using your personal data in ways it should not, the ICO is often the more relevant authority. That is especially true if you are registered with TPS and a company continues calling despite that preference.
Use Ofcom for wider telecom concerns
Ofcom is the communications regulator. It becomes relevant where the issue points to telecom misuse, spoofing patterns, persistent nuisance activity, or wider abuse of phone networks. Ofcom may not recover individual losses, but complaints still matter because they help expose broader patterns and repeat behaviour.
Where to report: quick reference
| Authority | Best For | What They Do | How to Report |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action Fraud | Fraud, scams, financial loss, impersonation, theft | National fraud reporting centre; creates crime reference numbers; feeds intelligence to police | actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040 |
| ICO | Unwanted marketing calls, ignored opt-out requests, data misuse | Enforces data protection and privacy laws; can fine organisations for persistent nuisance marketing | ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint |
| Ofcom | Telecom misuse, spoofing patterns, silent/abandoned calls, network abuse | Communications regulator; monitors industry compliance; investigates systemic telecom problems | ofcom.org.uk/make-a-complaint |
| TPS | Registering against live sales calls from compliant organisations | Official opt-out register; does not handle individual complaints but provides the legal basis for ICO enforcement | tpsonline.org.uk/register |
| Your Bank | Money already transferred or account details shared | Can freeze accounts, reverse transactions, and investigate fraud; should be your first call if money has moved | Use the number on the back of your card or your banking app |
| Police (999) | Immediate danger, threat in progress, crime occurring now | Emergency response; not for routine nuisance call reporting | Dial 999 in an emergency; 101 for non-urgent police contact |
- The number shown on screen, if there was one.
- The date and time the call happened.
- What the caller claimed to represent.
- Any pressure tactics, threats, or requests for money or codes.
- Whether you clicked, paid, called back, or shared information.
If the situation is urgent
If money has already been sent, contact your bank or payment provider immediately. If someone was threatened or you believe a crime is in progress, the normal police or emergency routes may be more appropriate than relying on an online reporting form.