National Trading Standards Scams Team

The National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team helps address mass marketing fraud and disrupts the activities of the perpetrators. It collaborates with agencies nationwide to identify and assist victims of mass marketing fraud.

The team provides guidance, best practice and establishes a centre of excellence to assist local authorities in supporting local victims and taking local enforcement action.

Friends Against Scams is an initiative by the NTS Scams Team that aims to prevent and protect people from becoming victims of fraud by empowering them to take a stand against it. It is crafted to inspire action, raise awareness of the extent of the issue, challenge perceptions about why people become victims of frauds, and elevate fraud as a community, regional, and national concern.

Anyone can be a Friend Against Scams and make a difference in their own way. With increased knowledge and awareness, people can make fraud part of everyday conversation with their family, friends and neighbours which will enable them to protect themselves and others.

Anyone can learn about the different types of fraud and how to spot and support a victim by attending a Friends Against Scams awareness session; these are run across the UK. Alternatively, you can complete an online learning session in the comfort of your own home, at work or wherever is most convenient for you. The online learning is available as an interactive version or as a video, so you will be able to learn about marketing fraud in a way that suits you. Find your nearest session or the online training here.

Reporting fraud and getting advice

If you believe you've made a payment in response to a fraudulent request, contact your bank as soon as possible.

In England and Wales:

Report – contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Advice – contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or 0808 223 1144 for a Welsh speaking advisor.

In Scotland:

Report – contact Police Scotland on 101.

Advice – contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000.

In Northern Ireland:

Report – contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Advice – contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.