Reporting serious fraud, bribery and corruption

There are many law enforcement agencies and other public authorities involved in fighting serious crime. We want to ensure your report is received by the authority that is best placed to handle your information.

Which describes you best:*

 I want to report an instance of fraud or financially motivated internet crime (such as on-line scams, consumer fraud or identity fraud)

 I want to provide information about a case of serious fraud, bribery or corruption (for example as a whistleblower, or on behalf of a company making a self report)

 I have information about another type of criminal activity, such as tax evasion, benefit fraud, illegal immigration, or drug-related offences

Financially motivated internet crime

If you have been a victim of fraud or financially motivated internet crime you should contact Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for these crimes, at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or on 0300 123 2040. Action Fraud can give you a police crime reference number and also offers help and advice on crime prevention.

Serious fraud, crime, bribery and corruption

If you have information about the kind of crime which the SFO investigates, we want to hear from you. Please be aware, however, that the SFO can only take on a very small number of serious cases where the complexity and nature of the suspected offences warrants the application of the SFO’s specialist skills, powers and capabilities to investigate and prosecute.

In considering whether to authorise an investigation the Director will take into account the actual or intended harm that may be caused to:

• the public, or
• the reputation and integrity of the UK as an international financial centre, or
• the economy and prosperity of the UK.

To report information about fraud, bribery or corruption which you think fits these criteria, please use our secure reporting form. Please note we cannot take reports over the telephone.

You can access our secure reporting form from this page.

How we handle your information

Our information recording system is purpose built for receiving and storing sensitive information. Any information you send us through our website is encrypted immediately. Our processes for storing and handling information comply with the law and are in line with industry standards.

When you contact the SFO to report serious fraud, bribery or corruption, it helps us to have your name and contact details – this means we can make better use of the information or contact you for further information. However you do not have to give us information about yourself and may keep your identity anonymous.

Protecting your identity

We do not routinely disclose the identity of individuals providing us with information. However there are rare situations where a judge may order us to disclose this information. If this unusual situation were to arise then, before disclosing your identity, we would consider available options and consult with you where it is reasonable to do so. Where consent is not obtained, it remains within our discretion to disclose (or not) after taking into account all the circumstances but in particular the need for sensitivity concerning your identity.

Sharing your information with other authorities

There are times when the SFO may decide to pass on the information you have given us, where there are legal, regulatory or operational reasons to do so. For example we may pass the information to the police, local authorities or other government departments.

You will be given an opportunity on the form to indicate if you agree for your personal details to be disclosed to these authorities, along with your information.

Please take note of the unique reference number supplied when you submit your report and quote this number in any future contact.

We thank you for your assistance.

Secure Reporting Form

Tax evasion, benefit fraud and other crimes

Many public organisations, such as the NHS and the Department for Work and Pensions, have specialist teams to investigate fraud. Other sectors, such as banking, also have organisations dedicated to combatting fraud. This page may help find the best place to report your case.

If you are still unsure, contact Action Fraud or your local police.