Bank Transfer Scams: Avoid APP Fraud in the UK
To avoid APP scams, never transfer money under pressure, verify payees using trusted contact routes, and act instantly with your bank if you suspect you were tricked.
This guide explains authorised push payment (APP) fraud and practical defences for UK users making bank transfers via mobile or online banking, or telephone banking. It is for consumers, sole traders, and anyone paying invoices or buying high-value items. It also summarises UK reimbursement context and how to gather evidence quickly.
Stop, verify, then pay
- If the request is urgent or creates pressure, pause and break contact.
- Verify payee details using known-good information: official website, number on your card or statement—not details in the message.
- Only pay once you have confirmed via a trusted channel that the request is genuine.
What APP fraud is
Authorised push payment (APP) fraud is when you are tricked into sending a bank transfer to an account controlled by a criminal. You authorise the payment because you believe it is legitimate—but the recipient is a fraudster. This differs from unauthorised card fraud, where someone uses your card without your consent. With APP fraud, you initiate the transfer yourself, which can make recovery harder and reimbursement rules more complex.
Common APP scam patterns
- Impersonation: Scammers pretend to be your bank, a utility company, the police, or HMRC. They urge you to move money to a "safe account" or pay a fake fine.
- Purchase fraud: You pay for an item (e.g. car, furniture, holiday) that does not exist or will never be delivered. The seller disappears after payment.
- Invoice fraud: You receive a fake invoice or a request to change payment details. The "supplier" or "contractor" is actually a criminal.
- Investment and romance scams: You are persuaded to send money for an investment opportunity or to someone you have met online. The returns or relationship are fake.
"Stop, verify, then pay" checklist
Before any bank transfer—especially to a first-time payee—run through these checks:
- Is there urgency or pressure? Legitimate requests rarely demand immediate action.
- Have you verified the payee using a known-good contact route (official website, number on your card or statement)? Do not use phone numbers or links in the message you received.
- Are the bank details consistent with what you expect? Fraudsters sometimes change only the sort code or account number.
- For high-value purchases, have you researched the seller and checked independent reviews?
What to do if you've paid a scammer
- Contact your bank immediately. Use the number on your card or the official website. Delays reduce the chance of stopping or recovering funds.
- Preserve evidence: Keep chat logs, screenshots, emails, and any correspondence. Note dates, times, and what was said.
- Report through UK routes: Report to Action Fraud (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland. If you are in Scotland, you can also report to Police Scotland directly.
- Follow your bank's process: Your bank will guide you through any reimbursement claim. Cooperate fully and provide the evidence you have gathered.
Reimbursement and complaints overview
UK reimbursement rules for APP scams have evolved. UK Finance notes that APP reimbursement rules apply to payments made on or after 7 October 2024. Not all victims are guaranteed reimbursement; rules and exceptions apply, and claims are assessed case-by-case. If you are unhappy with your bank's response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Reduce future risk
- Harden your email and enable two-factor authentication so account-takeover scams are harder.
- Use a password manager and strong, unique passwords.
- Before paying unfamiliar sites, use our website legitimacy checklist.
- Be wary of QR codes in car parks and public places that could direct you to fake payment pages.
Frequently asked questions
- What is authorised push payment (APP) fraud?
- APP fraud is when you're tricked into sending a bank transfer to an account controlled by a criminal.
- Are all victims guaranteed reimbursement?
- No—rules and exceptions apply, and claims are assessed case-by-case by the payment provider.
- How quickly should I contact my bank?
- Immediately—delays reduce the chance of stopping or recovering funds and can weaken your claim.
- What's the safest way to verify a request to transfer money?
- Break contact and verify using known-good details (not phone numbers or links in the message)—for example, the number on your card or the official website.