The Financial Ombudsman Service has published details on protecting your personal information and what to do if you have a complaint about a fraud or scam, and don’t think you’ve been treated fairly by a financial business. 

Every year we see thousands of complaints involving fraud and scams. The circumstances are wide-ranging, from disputed card transactions and cash-machine withdrawals to online banking fraud and identity theft. The type of complaint is constantly evolving too, as fraudsters develop new – and increasingly sophisticated – methods, or seek to exploit events, like the current impact of Covid-19.

Some fraud and scams can be very convincing – for example, using fake websites that look identical to banks’ online systems, or text messages that to look like they’re from someone’s bank.

We’re sharing what we see in complaints about fraud and scams to help consumers protect their personal information. We also explain how we can help if consumers have a complaint and don’t think they’ve been treated fairly.

Latest news

Financial Ombudsman Service consults on changes to its case fees

13 August 2025

We're consulting on changing our case fee structure which would see businesses pay less for complaints which are resolved earlier in the investigation process.

Press release Consultations and responses

Read more 

Financial Ombudsman Service sees a fall in case levels – with complaints at their lowest level for more than a year

7 August 2025

Financial complaints needing our intervention have fallen to their lowest level in over a year, according to new quarterly figures published today.

Press release Q1 data Complaints data Product complaints data Data and Insight

Read more 

FCA appoints new interim chair of the Financial Ombudsman Service

28 July 2025

Today the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced the appointment of Liam Coleman as interim chair to the board.

Read more