From UtilForge.org, free cybersecurity tools: https://utilforge.org/tools/first-hour-guide
What you choose stays on your phone
The check runs on your own phone or computer, inside this page. The page’s security setting (a Content Security Policy, a rule the browser enforces) blocks it from connecting to any server after it has loaded, so what you choose stays on your device.
- No account, no sign-up and no cookies.
- Close the tab, and nothing about your choice is kept.
- You can test it: switch the internet off once the page has loaded, and it still works.
About the phone numbers and addresses
Each reporting body is named in full with its official website. A phone number is given only where UtilForge’s research for this season confirmed it from the body’s own published material: Report Fraud’s 0300 123 2040 in the United Kingdom, 7726 for scam texts in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, 0429 999 888 for scam texts in Australia, 1799 for the ScamShield Helpline in Singapore, and 1930 for the National Cyber Crime Helpline in India. Other numbers for each country are on the official help page, which is checked against each body’s own pages. Your bank’s number is the one printed on your card or in its official app.
Report Fraud is the reporting service for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, run by the City of London Police. It took over from the old Action Fraud service on 4 December 2025.
What this guide cannot do
It cannot get money back, and no one can promise that. It puts the steps that give you the best chance in order, based on official guidance. Banks and payment companies decide each case under their own rules and the law where you live.
Questions and answers
What should I do in the first hour after paying a scammer?
Call your bank or card company first, on the number on your card or in its official app, and ask them to stop or reverse the payment. Then change any password you shared, report the scam to the official body in your country, keep the evidence, and ignore anyone who offers to recover the money for a fee.
Can I get my money back after paying a fake shop?
Sometimes, if you act fast: refund rights depend on how you paid and in which country, and card payments usually have the strongest route. Call your bank or card company first and ask them to dispute the payment.
Someone says they can recover my money for a fee. Is that real?
No: genuine authorities never contact people offering to recover money for a fee. Recovery offers are a well-known second scam aimed at people who have already lost money.
Is it my fault?
No. Scams are run by organised criminals who practise every day, and they target people in every walk of life. Acting straight away and telling someone you trust are the most useful things you can do now.
Where do I report a scam in the United Kingdom?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report to Report Fraud at https://www.reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040; it replaced the old Action Fraud service on 4 December 2025. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland. Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.