An Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam is when you’re tricked into paying money to someone who isn’t genuine or for a different purpose from what you meant.
These scams can be particularly convincing because fraudsters often impersonate trusted organisations, such as your bank, a service provider or even a friend.
Unlike other types of fraud where someone might hack into your account, with APP scams, you’re the one who authorises the payment. It can be hard to spot the scam until it’s too late, as everything appears to be legitimate at the time of the payment.
You’re now protected by rules from the Payment Systems Regulator to improve consumer protection. They make sure financial companies like us reimburse individuals, microenterprises and charities who are victims of APP scams.
You’ll need to follow all the advice we give you and do everything you can to protect your accounts. Always read and consider any warnings your bank gives you and any information, such as confirmation of payee, before sending money to someone. Then, we’ll be more likely to be able to reimburse you if you lose money to a scam.
On 7 October 2024, new regulations for Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud increased consumer protection in the UK.
Here’s what’s changed:
Ultimately, these updates aim to make sure you’re better protected and can recover lost funds more easily.
Now, if you make a payment within the UK you may be eligible for a reimbursement if you become a victim of an Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam. This provides some protection in case you’re tricked into sending money to a fraudster.
The new rules apply to everyone using Faster Payments and CHAPs, if they are:
If you fall victim to an APP fraud, it’s important to know how to make a claim to help ensure your claim is processed smoothly.
Submit a claim
Check you’re eligible
Understand the exclusions
Claims will not be reimbursed in these cases:
Protect yourself from Authorised Push Payment fraud by knowing what to look out for and what to do if you think you may have been targeted.
Be cautious
Report anything suspicious
If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, let us know straight away. We’re here to help, and the quicker you tell us, the sooner we can act.
Share information
If we need details to help with our investigation, please provide anything that can assist us in resolving the issue.
Work with authorities
In some cases, we may ask you to cooperate with the police, either directly or through us, to help resolve the fraud.
By staying alert and working together, you’ll be better protected from APP fraud.