Written by Duncan Paul Glasgow
I’ve lived in Glasgow all my life, and over the years, I’ve seen how online scams have quietly crept into our everyday lives. It doesn’t matter how much tech knowledge you have – these scams are designed to trick you when you can’t even imagine it.
I remember one morning in 2025, sitting at a café in George Square, when I received what looked like a genuine bank alert on my phone. The message warned me of suspicious activity and asked me to verify my bank details through a link. It had the logo, the tone, and everything you’d expect from an official alert. But something felt off. The spelling was poor, and the link didn’t look right.
That moment reminded me how easily anyone can be targeted. And more importantly, how most people still don’t know the exact steps to report an online scam in Glasgow. So here it is – a simple, clear, and up-to-date guide on how to do just that in 2025.
Step 1: Collect Evidence Before You Delete Anything
Before you block the sender or delete the message, take a moment to gather all the evidence. This could include:
- Screenshots of the message, email, or website
- Any phone numbers or email addresses involved
- Links, account numbers, or transaction references
- Dates and times of communication
These details are important for investigators. Even if they seem small, they help build a stronger case.
Step 2: Report It to Action Fraud (UK-wide)
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for cybercrime and fraud. They handle everything from phishing messages to fake online shops.
Here’s how you can report:
📞 Call: 0300 123 2040 (Open 24/7)
🌐 Online: www.actionfraud.police.uk
Once your report is submitted, it’s reviewed by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB). If your case is serious, it gets passed to the relevant police force – including Police Scotland if you’re local.
Step 3: Contact Police Scotland (If Money Is Lost)
If you’ve already lost money or feel in immediate danger, call the police. In Glasgow, you can:
📞 Call: 101 (non-emergency)
🚓 Visit: Your local police station
Police Scotland can act faster in urgent cases, especially if a scam is active or connected to organised crime.
Step 4: Inform Your Bank or Payment Provider
If you entered your card details, sent money, or shared any personal info, call your bank immediately. Most banks in Glasgow have a fraud helpline and can help you:
- Freeze your card or account
- Stop pending payments
- Investigate the transaction
- Recover funds (in some cases)
Also, report the scam account to the platform where it happened, whether it was WhatsApp, Instagram, eBay, or any other site.
Step 5: Stay Updated on New Scams
Fraudsters keep changing tactics. That’s why I always tell people in Glasgow to stay informed. Follow updates from:
- Action Fraud (they send alerts about trending scams)
- Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland’s official pages
- ScamFreeWorld (the platform I work with to educate people about cyber safety)
Being aware of what’s going around makes you less likely to fall for the next scam.
A Quick Example From My Own Experience
Not long ago, a neighbour from Dennistoun called me. She had lost £2,000 to a fake energy company. She didn’t know what to do. I helped her report the fraud to Action Fraud, told her to contact her bank, and helped her report the scam website.
A few weeks later, part of her money was recovered, and the fake site was shut down. Reporting works. The sooner you act, the better your chances.
Final Thoughts from Me, Duncan Paul Glasgow
Scams are getting smarter every day, but we don’t have to make it easy for them. By reporting fraud properly, we help not just ourselves, but our neighbours, our city, and everyone in the UK.
If you ever feel unsure about a message, take a breath and follow the steps above. Save the evidence, report it, and speak up.
Remember: The fight against scams starts with your voice.
About the Author
I’m Duncan Paul Glasgow, a digital safety advocate and proud Glaswegian. I work with ScamFreeWorld to raise awareness about online fraud and help people take real action when they’re targeted. Through local stories and trusted advice, I aim to make Glasgow—and the web—a little safer for everyone.
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