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APP Fraud Victims: New Rules Help Some, But Not All

Home | Claims | APP Fraud Victims: New Rules Help Some, But Not All

APP fraud is hitting fewer people but for much higher sums. Are you protected if it happens to you?


When Margaret transferred £15,000 after a call from what she believed was her bank, everything seemed legitimate. She even passed “security checks.” Days after a routine transfer, Margaret discovered that scammers had emptied her savings. When she asked her bank for help, it refused and insisted she had authorised the payment.

Criminals trapped Margaret through an Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam a fast-growing fraud that convinces people to send money straight to the crooks.

And while new rules have promised to speed up refunds, they don’t cover everyone. In many cases, millions are still left to fight back alone.


APP Fraud Is Changing And Getting Smarter

In 2023 alone, UK consumers lost over £459 million to APP fraud (UK Finance). While the number of scams is down, the average amount lost per case is rising, as criminals deploy AI-generated emails, cloned websites, and professional impersonations to deceive even the savviest of individuals.

Common scam tactics include:

  • Fake investment opportunities
  • Crypto or digital wallet “setups”
  • Romance-based trust scams
  • Delivery or energy company impersonations
  • “Family in trouble” messages sent via WhatsApp or SMS

    Victims are not careless, they are targeted, pressured, and manipulated using highly convincing tactics.

New APP Fraud Rules Help, But Only for Some

New rules introduced by the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) in late 2024 require banks to reimburse victims of domestic APP fraud within five working days (under FCA guidance). That’s welcome progress, but there are limits:

  • International transfers are excluded from current protections.
  • Refunds are capped at £85,000 per case.
  • Banks can still deny reimbursement if they argue you acted with “gross negligence.”

Banks and scammers are evolving in real time, often faster than regulation can keep up. The harsh reality? Many victims are still refused compensation, often because the bank classifies the transfer as “authorised.”

But this isn’t always the final word. You can challenge the decision through your bank’s complaints process and, if needed, by escalating to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

In fact, the PSR reported that in the first three months after the rules came into force in October 2024, 86% of money lost through in-scope APP scams was reimbursed to victims, totalling around £27 million. (PSR)


“I Thought It Was My Bank”

Modern scammers are persuasive. A phone call appears from your bank’s number, followed by a text that mimics your child’s messages. A slick website supports the ruse, and everything looks official.

When the bank later refuses responsibility, victims understandably feel helpless. But you may still have a valid claim, even if your bank has said no.


 If You’ve Lost Money in an APP Fraud Scam. Act Fast.

If you’ve been caught by a crypto scam, romance fraud, or an impersonation of your energy provider, you may be eligible for a refund. The right next steps can make all the difference:

  1. Gather your evidence (texts, screenshots, emails).
  2. Check your eligibility for reimbursement.
  3. Speak to a regulated professional who can escalate your case clearly, quickly, and without jargon.

    If you’ve lost more than £10,000 or more to APP fraud, now is the time to act

    It’s also worth reviewing your estate planning to make sure your wider assets are safeguarded against fraud risks in the future.

Check if you’re eligible to claim now » It’s confidential. It’s fast. It could be the first step toward getting your money back.


We Can Help Connect You With Experts Who Recover Lost Funds 

Every fraud story is different: the sum stolen, the method used, and the emotional impact. Victims deserve to be heard and supported.

We’re not a law firm but we work closely with regulated solicitors and claims specialists who focus on recovering money lost through APP fraud.

  • Most Firms operate on a no win, no fee basis
  • No pressure, no upfront costs, and an expert handling your case
  • Real legal guidance, not cold calls

See If You Qualify in Under 60 Seconds

Have you lost £10,000 or more to a scam? Don’t let silence be your only response.

Helpful Links & Resources

This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The suitability of any pension arrangement depends on your individual circumstances. Always seek regulated professional advice before making changes to your pension.

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