Anyone working in fraud prevention will tell you that if someone has already been a victim of fraud, it is likely that they will be again, for a number of reasons.
Why are previous victims at greater risk?
- Criminals share and trade victim details
Fraudsters frequently compile, exchange and sell on lists of people who have responded to scams. To an organised criminal group, a previous victim represents a proven target, making them more attractive than an unknown person.
- Recovery scams specifically target existing victims
Many scams are designed to exploit people who have already lost money. Fraudsters may pose as police officers, lawyers, government agencies, banks, regulators or specialist recovery services, claiming they can recover stolen funds for an upfront fee. The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regularly warns that criminals target known scam victims with fake recovery offers.
- Emotional impacts can increase vulnerability
Research commissioned by the UK Home Office found that fraud victims commonly experienced anger (86%), stress (73%), anxiety (63%), depression (18%) and/or suicidal thoughts (3%)
These emotional impacts can affect decision making and increase vulnerability to further manipulation.
- Shame and underreporting leave victims isolated
National Trading Standards found that:
- 73% of UK adults (around 40 million people) reported being targeted by scams
- 35% (around 19 million people) said they had lost money
- Only 32% reported the crime to authorities
- 42% did not tell their bank
- Around two thirds did not tell a friend or relative
This lack of reporting and support can leave victims exposed to further approaches by fraudsters.
Evidence of wider victim impact
The Office for National Statistics has reported that 71% of fraud victims experienced an emotional impact, with common reactions including annoyance (75%), anger (49%), shock (27%), and feeling vulnerable or losing confidence (23%)
National Trading Standards has also highlighted research showing that fraud victims can experience severe long-term consequences, noting evidence that victims are nearly 2½ times more likely to pass away or require residential care within two years than comparable non victims. This illustrates that fraud can be a significant safeguarding issue rather than simply a financial crime.
Staying safe after a scam: top tips for fraud victims
- Assume you might be targeted again
The most important step is recognising that fraudsters often target previous victims repeatedly. If you’ve been scammed once, be extra cautious about unexpected calls, emails, texts, social media messages or investment opportunities.
- Be alert to recovery scams
Be extremely wary of anyone claiming they can recover your money, trace the fraudster, arrange compensation or fast track an insurance or legal claim
Legitimate organisations do not cold call victims demanding fees to recover losses. The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regularly warns about these scams.
- Tell your bank immediately
If you have not already done so:
- Contact your bank or card provider
- Explain what happened
- Ask for additional monitoring on your account
- Change online banking credentials if advised
The sooner your bank knows, the more support and protection it may be able to provide.
- Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication
If any of your accounts may have been compromised:
- Change passwords immediately
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever available
Prioritise email accounts, as access to email can often enable access to other accounts.
- Never act under pressure
Fraudsters create urgency to stop people thinking clearly. If someone says “Act now”, “Your account is at risk”, “This offer expires today” or “Don’t tell anyone”, stop the conversation and verify the facts independently. Do this for every unexpected contact.
If someone contacts you claiming to be from a trusted organisation like your bank, the police, HMRC, Amazon or another retailer you buy from, Microsoft or a utility company, don’t rely on the contact details they provide. Instead, use a trusted phone number or website you find yourself.
- Talk to someone you trust
Fraudsters thrive on secrecy and isolation. Before sending money, sharing information, or making financial decisions, speak to a family member, contact a trusted friend and/or seek professional advice. A second opinion can often spot warning signs that are easy to miss.
- Screen calls and messages
Consider:
- Letting unknown numbers go to voicemail
- Using call blocking services
- Blocking repeat nuisance callers
- Being cautious about unsolicited texts and emails
Most genuine organisations will leave a message or contact you through official channels.
- Check credit reports regularly
If personal information may have been exposed, monitor your credit file, watch for unfamiliar accounts or applications and investigate any unexpected changes promptly. This can help identify identity fraud early.
- Learn the warning signs of common scams
Be particularly cautious of:
- Investment opportunities with guaranteed returns
- Romance scams
- Parcel delivery scams
- Bank impersonation scams
- Cryptocurrency schemes
- Marketplace fraud
- Refund scams
- Pension scams
Scam techniques change regularly, but pressure, secrecy and urgency remain common warning signs.
- Report further attempts
Even if you don’t lose money, report suspicious contacts, keep records of messages, emails and phone numbers and tell relevant authorities or organisations such as Report Fraud (www.reportfraud.police.uk) and the website or platform where the fraud originated.
Reporting helps identify repeat targeting and protects others.
- Don’t be embarrassed
Fraud can happen to anyone. Criminals are skilled manipulators who exploit trust, emotions and human behaviour. Seeking help quickly is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Research shows that many victims experience anger, stress, anxiety and loss of confidence after being defrauded, often feeling too ashamed to report what has happened to them. This highlights the fact that fraud is not ‘just’ a financial crime but can have a significant emotional impact.
Sources
UK Home Office, Experiences of Victims of Fraud and Cyber Crime (2025)
Office for National Statistics (ONS), Fraud and Computer Misuse in England and Wales (Year Ending March 2025)
National Trading Standards, 19 Million Lose Money to Scams but Fewer Than a Third Report (2023)
UK Parliament Evidence Submission from the National Trading Standards Scams Team (2024)
Financial Conduct Authority, Protect Yourself from Scams
