FAQs
Q: Can I report a crime here?
A: No – this site is designed to improve the understanding of fraud and cyber crime across the UK. If you would like to report fraud or cyber crime, please visit the Action Fraud website (link) or telephone 0300 1232040. To report any other type of crime, please speak to your local force by calling 101. In an emergency always dial 999.
Q: Is Action Fraud a police force?
A: Action Fraud is part of the City of London Police. It’s the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime and takes reports of fraud and cyber crime on behalf of all police forces in the UK.
Q: Why should I sign up to receive Action Fraud Alerts?
A: Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre which means that all reports of fraud and financially motivated cyber crime are made to us. This insight means that our team of professionals are able to build intelligence and are able to quickly release information on how to prevent falling victim to fraudsters. If you subscribe to our service you will receive relevant information about fraud and cyber crime, and in some incidences receive messages from your local force about other crime types as well.
Q: What personal information do you require?
A: To sign up to Action Fraud Alert, you are required to complete an online registration form, which will help us to send you messages that are relevant and targeted towards you.
Q: Will you share my details with other agencies?
A: During the registration process and from your administration area you will have the opportunity to review and select additional licensed information providers who will, if authorised by you, be able to see your data and send you messages. Although all the information providers listed may not be actively using the system at this time, you will be notified as they come on board. You can remove any information provider at any time.
Q: Will you send me spam?
A: No, the only communication we will send will be relevant to you. And remember, you can opt out at any time.
Q: Can I cancel my subscription?
A: You can opt out of the entire system or update your settings to configure the types of messages that you want to receive and remove the ones you don’t want. Emails from the Action Fraud Alert have a link at the bottom to ‘Change settings’; simply click on this link to review your settings and update them.
Q: Why do you ask for my telephone and mobile number?
A: Although the vast majority of messages will be emailed to you, the Alert system is flexible enough to deliver important messages by voicemail or text message. You don’t have to fill these details in if you don’t want to, though.
Q: Can I reply to the email?
A: Yes, we welcome your comments and thoughts. Clicking on the ‘Reply’ link within a message will send your reply to the person that sent you the message.
Q: Do you read the emails?
A: Yes we read all of your emails. Please be aware that sometimes we will not reply if it is simply information you want to pass to us for our attention. Even if you do not hear from us directly then please be assured that everything you send us will be actioned or reviewed.
Q: Do others see my e-mail address?
A: No, other subscribers will not see any of your details.
Q: Can I forward or print out messages and share it with friends, or is it confidential?
A: These emails are not confidential and we welcome you to introduce others to the scheme. We do advise that you remove any personal details you do not wish to share, such as e-mail addresses.
Q: Can I change my contact details if I move house or internet provider?
A: Yes, use the links at the bottom of the e-mail, or visit your account details on the Action Fraud Alert website.
Q: Will this cost me anything?
A: No, subscription is free, no other charges or fees will be incurred.
Q: Is this to replace Neighbourhood Watch?
A: No, this will not be replacing any Neighbourhood Watch schemes. We hope it will complement existing schemes and initiatives. Action Fraud Alert is linked to the national Neighbourhood Watch system and will improve the way in which police and Watch schemes are able to communicate with and support each other.
If you have any queries about this website please email contact@actionfraud.police.uk