Report online or at a station: which works

Two ways to start the same process

You can begin a police report either online through the relevant reporting channel or in person at a police station. Both eventually feed into the same investigative system once filed, reaching the Commercial Crime Investigation Department either way.

Which one suits you better usually depends on how urgent your case is and how complex the details are.

Neither option is a lesser version of the other. Both create the same kind of official record. The choice mainly affects how quickly and comfortably you can get your account of events on file.

Side by side

	Reporting online	Reporting at a station.
Speed to start	Quick, no travel needed	Depends on queue and station hours.
Best for	A first report or urgent cases through the hotline	Complex cases needing detailed explanation.
Follow-up	An officer may contact you for more detail	Statement recorded on the spot.
What you keep	A reference or report number	A printed or written report copy.

When reporting online works well

If your case is straightforward, such as a single clear transfer to an identifiable account, starting online or through the National Scam Response Centre can save time. You still need to follow up if asked for more detail.

This route works especially well when speed matters more than a lengthy in-person explanation.

Having your evidence ready in digital form helps, such as saved screenshots and a short written summary. It makes an online report easier to complete accurately in one sitting.

When going to a station is better

Your case might involve several payments, multiple parties, or details that are easier to explain face to face. If so, visiting a station lets an officer ask questions as you go. This can produce a clearer statement from the start.

Bring your evidence with you: transfer records, messages, and a written timeline if you have prepared one.

What to do next

Whichever way you choose, keep your report reference number safe. Your bank, an insurer, or a lawyer will ask for it later. Read the first actions after a scam if other steps are still outstanding.

If your first report does not seem to be moving, following up in person is always still an option.