APP fraud & getting money back

Lesson 10 of 14 in our free Scams & Fraud guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

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This lesson is a 5-minute game. Free, no sign-up needed.

The story so far

Mo: I sent the money MYSELF. So it's my fault and it's gone forever, right?
Chip: Not necessarily! When you're tricked into sending a payment, it's called authorised push payment — APP — fraud. Banks now have to reimburse most victims of APP fraud, with some exceptions.
Nana: The key is speed. Call your bank the minute you realise.

Which of these is APP fraud?

You transfer a deposit to a fake landlord who then vanishes. Yes. You authorised the payment, but you were tricked. That's APP fraud.

Call your bank on the number on your card → Right now. The faster they act, the better the chance of stopping or recovering money.
Stop all contact with the scammer → Right now. Don't send anything more, even if they say it'll 'unlock' a refund.
Report to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) — or Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland → Today. Gets you a crime reference and helps catch them.
Change passwords on accounts that might be exposed → Today. Lock things down.
Keep checking your bank statements and credit file → Next few days. Watch for follow-up fraud using your details.
Myth: “If you're tricked into making a bank transfer, you have no rights at all.” — Most APP fraud victims now have a right to reimbursement from their bank, with some exceptions.
Fact: “Reporting quickly matters.” — Banks can sometimes freeze money before it's moved on, and there are time limits on claims.
Fact: “If your bank refuses, you can complain and then go to the Financial Ombudsman Service.” — Free and independent.