How to Write a Fraud Report for UK Police (2026 Guide)

Being a victim of fraud is stressful, but writing a clear, structured fraud report is your best chance at police action and fund recovery. This guide explains exactly how to write a fraud report for the UK police and Report Fraud.

Why a Well-Written Fraud Report Matters

The UK police receive thousands of fraud reports daily. A vague report like "I was scammed out of £5,000" will likely be filed with no further action. A detailed, forensic report with clear evidence, timelines, and legal references stands a much higher chance of investigation.

Step 1: Gather Your Evidence

Before writing, collect all documentation:

• Bank Statements: Showing the exact transfers, dates, and receiving accounts.
• Communications: Screenshots of WhatsApp, Telegram, emails, or social media chats.
• Platform Details: URLs, account IDs, and screenshots of the scam website.
• Crypto Tracing (if applicable): Wallet addresses and transaction hashes (TXIDs).

Step 2: Structure Your Fraud Statement

A professional fraud statement should follow a specific structure pursuant to the Fraud Act 2006:

1. Complainant Details

Include your full name, date of birth, National Insurance Number, address, and contact details.

2. Executive Summary

Start with a brief summary: the type of fraud, the counterparty, the total amount lost, and the dates involved.

3. Chronological Narrative

Explain exactly what happened in chronological order. How were you contacted? What were you promised? When did you realize it was a scam? Be objective and stick to the facts.

4. Legal Classification

Reference the relevant UK laws, such as fraud by false representation (Fraud Act 2006, s.2) or money laundering (Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, s.327).

Step 3: Submit to Report Fraud

Once your report is complete, submit it to Report Fraud (the new national reporting centre that replaced Action Fraud). You can submit online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

The Faster Alternative: AI-Powered Reporting

Writing a forensic report manually takes hours and requires legal knowledge. TraceProof automates this entire process. Simply answer a few questions, upload your screenshots, and our AI generates a police-ready forensic report and legal fraud statement in minutes.