Did you know that as of Thursday 4 December 2025 the Action Fraud service has been replaced by a new service, called Report Fraud?
Report Fraud is the new service for reporting fraud across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Run by the City of London Police, Report Fraud provides:
- a home for the reporting of cyber crime and fraud across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland;
- guidance on what to report and how the information is used;
- support for victims of cyber crime and fraud.
Tell me more
If you need to report cyber crime or fraud, seek support for a victim of cyber crime or fraud, or would just like to learn more about cyber crime and fraud, you can visit the new Report Fraud website, or watch their new ‘Every Report Counts’ video:
What does this mean for adult safeguarding?
The Care Act 2014 includes ‘being defrauded’ within the category of financial abuse. This means that when an adult with care and support needs has been a victim of fraud, in addition to any police investigation, the local authority has a duty to make enquiries (or cause others to do so). This is to determine whether any action needs to be taken to prevent or stop the financial abuse, and to protect the adult.
When we talk about financial abuse in adult safeguarding terms, it includes:
- misusing or stealing a person’s money or belongings;
- fraud;
- postal or internet scams tricking people out of money;
- pressuring a person into making decisions about their financial affairs, including decisions involving wills and property.
So, what should I do if I’m worried about cyber crime or fraud?
If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of cyber crime or fraud, you should visit the new Report Fraud website for advice, guidance, and reporting mechanisms.
If the victim is an adult with care and support needs, whether known or suspected, you should also refer to the Sussex Safeguarding Adults Thresholds guidance (2023) for reporting financial or material abuse. This document will provide guidance on when financial or material abuse is non-reportable, requires consultation, or is reportable to the local authority, as well as other avenues of support to consider.
For more information about staying safe online and fraud prevention in West Sussex, visit Staying safe online and fraud prevention | West Sussex County Council.
