What is APP fraud?

Authorised push payment fraud is a scam where you are tricked into sending money by bank payment. You approve the transfer, but the destination or purpose is fraudulent; it differs from someone taking money without permission. Fake invoices, investments and requests from a supposed relative can involve APP fraud. 1

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How it works

  1. A criminal gives you a convincing reason to make a payment. 1
  2. You approve a transfer believing the recipient or story is genuine. 1
  3. The money goes to an account controlled by the criminal. 1

Real UK example

Report Fraud's September 2026 payment-diversion warning described amended invoices that sent payments to criminals’ accounts. The payer intended to settle a genuine bill.

The substituted bank details changed where the money went. The warning concerned payments that had been authorised under false instructions. 21

Warning signs

  • A new bank account for someone you already pay. 13
  • A request to move money to a “safe account”. 13
  • A caller coaches you to ignore a bank warning. 13
  • A relative or online contact demands a bank transfer. 13

What to do now

  1. Contact your bank if you sent money. Explain that you suspect APP fraud. 13
  2. Keep the messages, payment references and a timeline for the bank. 13
  3. Ask which reimbursement rules apply to your payment. Do not assume every transfer is covered. 13

UK reporting and support

  • If money has gone or banking details were shared, call your bank using the number on your card. Or use 159 if your bank participates. 134
  • Report fraud or hacking in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 35
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 5

How to protect yourself

  • Check new or changed bank details with the person using a trusted number. 13
  • Read bank warnings and answer security questions truthfully. 13
  • Pause a payment when the request cannot be verified. 13

Frequently asked questions

What does APP stand for in fraud?

Authorised push payment. You are deceived into approving a bank payment yourself. 1

Is APP fraud the same as card fraud?

No. A card payment taken without permission is unauthorised fraud. Separate reimbursement rules apply. 1

Will my bank return money lost to APP fraud?

Ask your bank. UK rules cover certain payments and customers, with exceptions. Reimbursement is not automatic in every case. 1

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for the money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

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Sources

  1. UK Finance, Authorised Push Payment Fraud Reimbursement | UK Finance. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Criminals steal £101 million through Payment Diversion Fraud as City of London Police issues warning to businesses and the public - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Report Fraud, Report Fraud alert: Police forces being impersonated in scam calls using ‘spoofed’ phone numbers - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Stop Scams UK, 159 Phone number - Stop Scams UK. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. Police Scotland, How to report a crime - Police Scotland. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).