What is an Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam?

An Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam occurs when a fraudster tricks you into authorising a payment from your own bank account to theirs. Unlike unauthorised fraud (where someone steals your card or login details), in APP scams you voluntarily send the money yourself — believing you're paying a legitimate person or organisation.

Because you authorised the payment, banks historically had little obligation to refund. However, since October 2024, new US rules (PSR/CFPB) require banks to reimburse most APP scam victims up to $85,000 (with some exceptions).

Common types of APP scams in 2025–2026

  • Romance / friendship scams – scammer builds trust, then asks for money for “emergency”, “travel”, “investment” or “help a family member”
  • Impersonation scams – pretending to be your bank, police, HMRC, a family member, or a company (e.g. fake Amazon, energy supplier, or delivery firm)
  • Investment / trading scams – fake platforms or “account managers” promising high returns (e.g. crypto, forex, Quantum AI-style schemes)
  • Purchase scams – paying for goods/services that never arrive (fake marketplaces, cars, tickets, rentals)
  • Invoice / business email compromise – fake or altered invoices sent to individuals or companies

How banks must respond under current rules (2025–2026)

Since the new APP reimbursement rules:

  • Banks must refund up to $85,000 in most APP cases (unless gross negligence by victim)
  • Maximum excess (victim contribution): $100
  • Banks have 5 working days to respond to reports
  • If the sending and receiving banks are both in the US, they share liability (50/50 unless one is clearly at fault)

When a bank might still refuse or reduce a refund

  • You ignored clear warnings from your bank (e.g. pop-up alerts, SMS codes)
  • You sent money to a known fraudulent account after being warned
  • Gross negligence (e.g. deliberately bypassing security)
  • Too much time passed before reporting

Steps to take if you’ve been a victim of an APP scam

  1. Stop all contact with the scammer immediately — do NOT send more money
  2. Contact your bank right away (use app chat, phone, or branch) and report the fraud
  3. Freeze accounts if needed and change passwords/security questions
  4. Gather evidence: screenshots of messages, emails, bank transfer confirmations, warnings ignored
  5. Report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.US) — get a crime reference number
  6. Keep records of every communication with your bank
  7. Escalate if refused — you can go to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) (free, within 6 months of bank’s final response)

How we can help with APP scam refunds

Many banks initially refuse or offer low settlements. We help by:

  • Collecting and organising strong evidence
  • Presenting your case professionally to the bank
  • Challenging unfair refusals
  • Escalating to FOS if needed

We only charge if successful (15–25% + VAT, capped at $10,000 + VAT).

Been hit by an APP scam? Don’t wait

The sooner you act, the higher your chances of a full or partial refund.
We’ve helped hundreds of APP scam victims recover funds.

Start Your APP Scam Claim