1. Understand When to Write a Fraud Complaint Letter
A fraud complaint letter is a formal written report used to alert banks, companies, or authorities about financial deception, scams, or unauthorized use of your personal or financial information.
Writing a clear and well-documented letter is crucial—it can trigger an investigation, secure refunds, and help prevent future fraudulent activity.
You should write a fraud complaint letter if:
- You’ve been a victim of identity theft or online scams.
- A business or individual made false promises or misled you.
- You’ve noticed unauthorized charges on your account.
- You need to report fraud to your bank, financial institution, or law enforcement agency.
A professional and detailed letter increases the likelihood of timely action and resolution.
2. Gather Important Information
Before drafting your complaint, gather all necessary evidence and documentation. Include:
- Dates, times, and a clear description of the fraud.
- Names, contact details, and addresses of the people or company involved.
- Transaction details: reference numbers, payment methods, amounts.
- Supporting evidence: screenshots, emails, bank statements, or police reports.
- Any previous correspondence or complaint reference numbers.
Detailed and verifiable information adds credibility to your complaint and helps investigators act swiftly.
3. Use a Professional Letter Format
Your complaint should follow a formal business letter layout and be easy to read.
Include:
- Your full name and contact details (address, email, phone).
- Date of submission.
- Recipient details (fraud department, company, or law enforcement agency).
- Subject line that summarizes your issue, e.g.,
“Fraud Complaint Regarding Unauthorized Transaction – Urgent Investigation Requested.”
4. Start with a Clear and Direct Statement
Begin your letter by identifying the issue immediately and stating your intention.
Example:
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to formally report an incident of fraud that occurred on [Date]. I request that an investigation be conducted and appropriate action taken to resolve this matter.
If you are unsure who to address, use:
“Dear Fraud Investigation Team” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
5. Describe the Fraud Incident in Detail
Be factual, concise, and specific. Avoid emotional language and focus on what happened.
Example:
On [Date], I purchased a product from [Company/Website Name] for £[Amount]. Despite receiving a confirmation email, the product was never delivered. My attempts to contact the seller have been ignored, and the website has since become inactive. This appears to be a fraudulent transaction.
Include:
- What happened and when.
- Who was involved.
- How it affected you (financially, personally, or professionally).
6. Request Specific Action
State clearly what you want the recipient to do.
Example:
I request a full refund of £[Amount] and a formal investigation into the party responsible. Additionally, please advise me on steps to secure my personal and financial information.
Your request should be reasonable, specific, and time-bound.
7. Attach Supporting Evidence
Reference the documents you’ve attached to support your complaint.
Example:
I have attached copies of my payment confirmation, email correspondence with the seller, and screenshots of their inactive website as evidence.
Typical supporting documents include:
- Bank or card statements showing the transaction.
- Police or fraud report (if filed).
- Screenshots of online adverts or messages.
- Correspondence between you and the fraudulent party.
8. Set a Response Deadline
Set a clear but polite timeline for response.
Example:
Please respond within 14 days with details on how this issue will be addressed.
Setting a deadline communicates urgency while keeping your letter professional.
9. Maintain a Polite and Professional Tone
Even in cases of major loss, avoid emotional or accusatory language. Professionalism strengthens your credibility.
Example:
I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response.
Staying calm and respectful encourages cooperation and faster resolution.
10. Sign Off and Keep a Copy
Conclude your letter with a formal closing.
Example:
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
If you addressed it to “Dear Sir/Madam,” close with “Yours faithfully.”
Always retain a copy of your letter and any attachments for your personal records.
11. Escalate If Necessary
If you don’t receive a timely response or your issue isn’t resolved:
- Contact your bank or credit card provider for a chargeback or refund.
- Report to Action Fraud UK (the UK’s national fraud reporting centre).
- Escalate to a consumer protection body or the Financial Ombudsman Service.
- Consult a solicitor if the fraud involves large sums or causes serious damage.
📄 Sample Fraud Complaint Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postal Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
To:
Fraud Investigation Department
[Bank/Company Name]
[Address]
Subject: Fraud Complaint Regarding [Issue] – Request for Urgent Investigation
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to formally report an incident of fraud that occurred on [Date]. I request that an investigation be initiated and appropriate action taken.
On [Date], I made a payment of £[Amount] to [Company/Individual Name] via [Payment Method, e.g., credit card, bank transfer]. However, [explain what happened — e.g., the goods/services were never received, or an unauthorized charge appeared on my account].
I have attached copies of [mention attached evidence, e.g., payment confirmation, correspondence, screenshots] to support my complaint.
I request that [Bank/Company Name] investigate this transaction and refund the disputed amount of £[Amount]. Please respond within 14 days to confirm the next steps.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How should I send my fraud complaint letter?
You can send it via email or recorded post to ensure delivery proof.
2. What if I don’t get a response?
Follow up after 14 days. If unresolved, escalate to your bank, regulator, or Action Fraud.
3. Can I request a refund?
Yes — if you paid via credit card, PayPal, or similar services, you may qualify for a chargeback.
4. Should I include evidence?
Absolutely. Attach receipts, bank statements, screenshots, and correspondence to strengthen your case.
5. How long should my complaint be?
Keep it concise (one page) but detailed enough to explain the fraud clearly.
6. Can I take legal action?
Yes. If the fraud caused financial loss or reputational harm, seek legal advice or file a police report.
Conclusion
A fraud complaint letter helps you formally document financial deception and demand action. By providing accurate details, factual evidence, and maintaining professionalism, you improve your chances of a refund or investigation.
If the issue remains unresolved, don’t hesitate to escalate your complaint to Action Fraud UK, your bank, or law enforcement.
Need expert legal help with fraud or financial disputes?
Contact Martin Taggart — Your Trusted UK Legal Partner for Consumer and Financial Complaints.