If anyone contacts you claiming to be from the SFO please be aware that we will only ever communicate with you:
- by telephone (for security reasons our number is withheld)
- in writing (on official, headed notepaper)
- by email (from someone with '@sfo.gsi.gov.uk' as part of their email address)
- by fax (on official headed notepaper).
If you receive a communication that purports to be from us, but which you find suspicious, please forward it to: alerts@sfo.gsi.gov.uk,
We will check the authenticity of the correspondence and get back to you within two working days.
If you are concerned about the authenticity of a phone call, confirm the name of the caller and tell them that you will call them back. To do this please dial our switchboard on 0207 239 7272 and ask to be put through to the named individual. We will then be able to confirm whether the name you have is an SFO employee
Follow these links to find out more about other scams:
- Advance fee schemes - letters or emails that offer you vast sums if you make payments up front
- Share scams (also known as boiler rooms) - a stranger rings you out of the blue and tries to offer you shares in a company you have never heard of
- Affinity fraud - investment scams that target members of a group, such as a community or a religious, ethnic, elderly or professional group
- Fund transfer schemes - money-laundering scams that tempt you to use your bank account by offering a commission. But you could wind up with a prison sentence too
- Online fraud (phishing) - fake bank websites that criminals use to try and get your personal details and money
Explore our different types of fraud and be aware of the biggest deceptions out there.
Consumer Direct is a government-backed service offering free help and advice for consumers. It provides a range of information on detecting and avoiding scams and rip-offs.
Money Made Clear is a website with some useful information from the Financial Services Authority on current scams.
The Office of Fair Trading has published a leaflet on 'How to detect a scam' and what to look out for.
Action fraud is the UK's national fraud reporting centre. Report and get support by calling 0300 123 2040.
Check out our latest news for fresh updates on fraud.
