UK Fraud Statistics 2026 â 3.5 Million Offences a Year
Fraud is the most common crime in England and Wales with 3.5 million offences per year. Live counter tracking financial fraud, scams and cybercrime losses.
Fraud Offences Per Year
Annual Fraud Losses (consumers)
Authorised Push Payment Fraud
Bank Card & Remote Banking Fraud
Investment Fraud Losses
Fraud Cases Reported to Police
Fraud as Share of All Crime
Average Victim Loss (APP fraud)
Source: UK Finance · Action Fraud · ONS Crime Survey · 2023/24
About These Statistics
Fraud is the single most common crime in England and Wales, accounting for approximately 40% of all crime. The Crime Survey estimates 3.5 million fraud offences occur each year, though only around 1 in 7 are reported to Action Fraud or the police.
UK Finance reports that £2.3 billion was stolen through fraud against consumers and businesses in 2023. Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud accounts for £459 million. New rules introduced in October 2023 require banks to reimburse most APP fraud victims up to £85,000.
The conviction rate for fraud is very low â fewer than 1% of reported fraud cases result in a conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on official UK government data
How much fraud is committed in the UK each year?
Approximately 3.5 million fraud offences occur each year â making fraud the most common crime in England and Wales. UK Finance reports £2.3 billion was stolen from consumers in 2023.
What is APP fraud?
Authorised Push Payment fraud is where a victim is tricked into authorising a bank transfer to a fraudster's account. Losses totalled £459 million in 2023. Since October 2023, banks must reimburse most APP fraud victims up to £85,000.
What are the most common types of fraud?
The most common types are bank card fraud (£1.26bn losses), APP fraud (£459m), investment fraud (£177m), online shopping fraud and romance fraud.
Who is most at risk of fraud?
Older people are disproportionately targeted by telephone and investment fraud. Younger people aged 20-30 are most common victims of online shopping and ticket fraud.
What should I do if I've been a victim of fraud?
Report immediately to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk). Contact your bank immediately. Keep all evidence including messages, emails and transaction records.
UK Fraud Losses by Type â 2023
Annual fraud losses to consumers. Source: UK Finance.
| Fraud Type | Losses (£m) | Change vs 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank card & remote banking | £1,260m | -2% |
| APP fraud (bank transfers) | £459m | -12% |
| Investment fraud | £177m | -14% |
| Romance fraud | £100m | +5% |
| Other fraud types | £304m | +3% |
| Total consumer fraud | £2,300m | -4% |
Source: UK Finance Annual Fraud Report 2024
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