What is APP fraud UK?

Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud is when you're tricked into sending money to a scammer's account. Unlike card fraud where criminals take money without permission, APP fraud involves you authorising the transfer — you press send, but you've been deceived about who you're paying or why.

Can I get my money back from APP fraud UK?

Often yes under the new mandatory reimbursement rules (from October 2024). Banks must reimburse APP fraud victims within 5 business days, up to £85,000, unless you were grossly negligent. Previously, refunds were voluntary under the CRM code with about 50% success.

What are common APP scams UK?

Common types: invoice fraud (fake supplier payment details), romance scams (fake romantic interest asks for money), investment scams (fake platforms), impersonation (pretending to be bank, police, HMRC), purchase scams (paying for goods that don't exist), and solicitor impersonation (fake conveyancing details).

How do I protect myself from APP fraud UK?

Verify payment details through a known channel (call them on a number you trust), be suspicious of changed bank details, use Confirmation of Payee (matches name to account), never rush a payment, and be wary of unexpected contact. If something feels wrong, stop and verify.

APP Fraud UK — Authorised Push Payment Scams Explained | PocketWise

APP fraud is one of the fastest-growing scam types. Here’s how to protect yourself and what to do if it happens.

Understanding APP Fraud

What Makes It Different

Card Fraud	APP Fraud
Criminal takes money	You send money
Unauthorised	You authorise (while deceived)
Easier to refund	Historically harder
Bank’s systems compromised	You’re manipulated

How Much Is Lost

Statistic	Amount
Total UK APP fraud losses	£500+ million/year
Average individual loss	£3,000-£5,000
Large cases	£10,000-£100,000+
Most common victims	Adults 45+

Common APP Scam Types

Impersonation Scams

Pretends to Be	Story
Your bank	“Fraud on your account, move money to safety”
Police	“Helping catch criminals”
HMRC	“Tax owed, pay immediately”
Utility company	“Cut off unless paid”

Purchase Scams

How It Works	Red Flags
Goods advertised	Price too good
Pay by bank transfer	No buyer protection
Goods never arrive	Seller disappears

Investment Scams

How It Works	Red Flags
High returns promised	Too good to be true
Pressure to invest fast	Limited opportunity
Transfer to “platform”	Actually scammer
Initial profits shown	To encourage more

Romance Scams

How It Works	Red Flags
Online relationship	Never meet in person
Trust built over time	Excuses for not meeting
Financial emergency	Always needs money
Wire transfer requested	Can’t be recovered

Invoice/Payment Redirection

How It Works	Red Flags
Fake invoice from supplier	Bank details different
Conveyancing fraud	Solicitor impersonated
CEO fraud	“Boss” requests urgent transfer
Details changed	Intercept genuine communications

How to Protect Yourself

Verification Steps

Before Paying	Do This
New payee	Verify through known channel
Changed details	Call on number you trust
Urgent request	Take time, verify
Large payment	Extra caution

Confirmation of Payee

Feature	How It Works
Name matching	Bank checks name matches account
Results	Match, partial match, no match
What to do	No match = stop and verify
Availability	Most major banks

Warning Signs to Spot

Red Flag	What It Might Mean
Urgency	Trying to stop you thinking
Secrecy	“Don’t tell anyone”
Changed bank details	May be fraud
Too good to be true	Probably is
Paying by bank transfer	Less protection

Golden Rules

Rule	Why
Hang up, dial back on known number	Verify caller
Never move money to “safe account”	Scam tactic
Trust your instincts	Unease means check
Take your time	Legitimate payers wait
Verify via different channel	Call, not email

Getting Your Money Back

New Mandatory Reimbursement (October 2024)

Feature	Details
Requirement	Banks must reimburse APP fraud
Timeline	Within 5 business days
Maximum	£85,000
Exceptions	Gross negligence only
Excess	£100 excess may apply

Previous CRM Code

Feature	Details
Voluntary	Banks chose to sign up
Reimbursement	About 50% of cases
Assessment	Case by case
Often disputed	Banks could reject

What “Gross Negligence” Means

Not Gross Negligence	May Be Gross Negligence
Being tricked despite care	Ignoring clear fraud warnings
Sophisticated scams	Providing two-factor codes
First-time victims	Continuing after bank warning

Steps If Scammed

Priority	Action
1	Contact your bank immediately
2	Bank contacts receiving bank
3	Request investigation
4	Report to Action Fraud
5	Keep all evidence

If Bank Refuses

Step	Action
1	Ask for written reasons
2	Challenge specific points
3	Make formal complaint
4	Financial Ombudsman if needed
5	FOS can overrule bank

What Banks Must Do

Warning Requirements

Requirement	Details
Fraud warnings	Must display at payment stage
Confirmation of Payee	Check name matches
Effective warnings	Clear and specific
Allow delay	Customer can stop and check

Investigation Process

Stage	What Happens
You report	Bank opens case
Contact receiving bank	Try to freeze funds
Investigation	Assess circumstances
Decision	Reimburse or explain refusal
Timeline	5 days for reimbursement

Summary: APP Fraud Protection Checklist

Before Sending Money

Check	Done
Verify payment details independently	☐
Use Confirmation of Payee	☐
Call on known number (not in message)	☐
Consider if it makes sense	☐
Take your time	☐

Red Flags

Warning	Stop and Check
Urgency/pressure	☐
Bank details changed	☐
Secrecy requested	☐
Too good to be true	☐
Bank transfer only	☐

If You’ve Been Scammed

Priority	Action
1	Call bank fraud line now
2	Report to Action Fraud
3	Keep all evidence
4	Don’t blame yourself
5	Complain if not refunded

Your Rights

Right	Details
Reimbursement	Up to £85,000
Timeline	5 business days
Exceptions	Only gross negligence
If refused	Formal complaint, then FOS

Key Contacts

Service	Contact
Your bank fraud line	Number on card
Action Fraud	0300 123 2040
Financial Ombudsman	0800 023 4567

APP fraud is devastating but increasingly victims are being refunded. The key is acting fast, reporting promptly, and knowing your rights. If a payment feels wrong, stop — legitimate recipients can wait while you verify.