Authorised Push Payment Fraud Reimbursement

Authorised push payment (APP) fraud happens when you are coerced by a criminal into sending money by bank payment to an account that they control and which you do not.

Rules have been set by the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR), the body that regulates payment systems in the UK ?" and only apply to payments made on, or after 7 October 2024.

This website explains the rules in more detail. Authorised Push Payment Fraud Reimbursement | UK Finance

Initial Reporting And Advice

If you have made a payment in response to a scam, contact your bank as soon as possible as they may be able to recover some of your money and will refund you in certain circumstances. You can find more information about asking your bank for help to get your money back in our reimbursement toolkit.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger because of a scam (for example, being threatened by an aggressive doorstep caller), call the Police on 999.

England And Wales

REPORT: Report Fraud

Report Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber-crime where you should report fraud if you have spotted a scam, responded to a scam, been manipulated into sending money or experienced cyber-crime.

You can visit the website (www.reportfraud.police.uk) or call Report Fraud on 0300 123 20 40.

ADVICE: Citizens Advice Consumer Service

Citizens Advice Consumer Service can offer support if you or someone you know has been scammed. They will give you advice on what to do next.

You can visit the website (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) or call Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or 0808 223 1144 for a Welsh-speaking advisor.

ADVICE: The Cyber Helpline

The Cyber Helpline offers free, expert support for victims of cybercrime, digital fraud and online harm. They can provide guidance on recovering your accounts and funds, securing your devices, and preventing it from happening again.

You can visit the website (www.thecyberhelpline.com) go to 'Get Help' and submit your case to the chatbot to get support.

ADVICE: Age UK

Age UK provides free tailored support to scam victims over 50 including one-on-one advice, a national advice line, specialised casework to help with recovery, and prevention education including free guides.

You can visit the website (www.ageuk.org.uk) or call Age UK on 0800 678 1602 or 0300 303 44 98 for a Welsh-speaking advisor.

Scotland

REPORT: Police Or Advice Direct Scotland

Call Police Scotland on 101 or contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or on their website (www.advice.scot).

ADVICE: Scotland’s Citizens Advice Helpline

You can call Scotland’s Citizens Advice Helpline on 0800 028 1456, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

ADVICE: The Cyber Helpline

The Cyber Helpline offers free, expert support for victims of cybercrime, digital fraud and online harm. They can provide guidance on recovering your accounts and funds, securing your devices, and preventing it from happening again.

You can visit the website (www.thecyberhelpline.com) go to 'Get Help' and submit your case to the chatbot to get support.

ADVICE: Age Scotland

Age Scotland provides free tailored support to scam victims over 50 including one-on-one advice, a national advice line, specialised casework to help with recovery, and prevention education including free guides.

You can visit the website (www.agescotland.org.uk) or call Age Scotland on 0800 12 44 222.

Northern Ireland

REPORT: Report Fraud

Report Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber-crime where you should report fraud if you have spotted a scam, responded to a scam, been manipulated into sending money or experienced cyber-crime.

You can visit the website (www.reportfraud.police.uk) or call Report Fraud on 0300 123 20 40. 

ADVICE: Consumerline

Consumerline helps you avoid scams, dodgy deals, make a complaint and stay informed with consumer law. Contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.

ADVICE: The Cyber Helpline

The Cyber Helpline offers free, expert support for victims of cybercrime, digital fraud and online harm. They can provide guidance on recovering your accounts and funds, securing your devices, and preventing it from happening again.

You can visit the website (www.thecyberhelpline.com) go to 'Get Help' and submit your case to the chatbot to get support.

ADVICE: Age Northern Ireland

Age NI provides free tailored support to scam victims over 50 including one-on-one advice, a national advice line, specialised casework to help with recovery, and prevention education including free guides.

You can visit the website (www.ageni.org) or call Age NI on 0808 808 7575.

Suspicious Emails

If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS):

[email protected]

The message might be from a company you don’t normally receive communications from, or someone you do not know. You may just have a hunch. If you are suspicious, you should report it.

Your report of a phishing email will help the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to act quickly, protecting many more people from being affected.

You can read more at the National Cyber Security Centre website.

Reporting Spam Text Messages

You can report spam text messages to your mobile phone provider free of charge by forwarding the text message to 7726. You may get an automated response thanking you for the report giving you further instructions if needed.

Further support

Scams don't just affect your wallet, they can impact your emotions, confidence and wellbeing.

These organisations can help you if you need further support.

Victim Support are an independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of all types of crime to help get back on track with their lives. Call their free support line on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website www.victimsupport.org.uk

The Samaritans are there 24/7 to provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for anyone struggling to cope. Contact their helpline for free on 116 123 or visit their website at www.samaritans.org