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Protections for your business against APP scams

What is an ‘APP scam’?

Every year thousands of people including businesses are victims of authorised push payment (APP) scams. An APP scam is when you’re tricked into paying money to someone who isn’t genuine or for a different purpose from what you meant.  Because it seems convincing, it’s easy to get caught out.

New rules from the Payment Systems Regulator

From 7th October 2024, you’re protected by new UK fraud rules from the Payment Systems Regulator. They make sure financial companies like us refund customers who are victims of APP scams.These rules apply to payments made on or after 7th October 2024. If you think you’ve been a victim of an APP scam up to and including 6th October 2024 find out how we can help.

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More information can be found on the Payment Systems Regulator’s website, and within the Consumer Guide to APP Fraud Reimbursement provided by UK Finance.

The Consumer Standard of Caution

Under the new rules, you’re expected to take certain steps before and after making a payment. You must:

  • Follow any specific warnings given by us, the police or another law enforcement agency that you’re at risk of being a victim of a scam
  • Tell us promptly if you think you’ve been a victim of a scam
  • Share any information we reasonably ask you for to help with your claim
  • Report the scam to the police or allow us to report it on your behalf

The APP Scam Code

What is it?

The APP Scam Code applies to in scope payments that are made up to and including 6th October 2024. You can read more about the APP Scam Code (PDF, 2 MB).

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How does it protect you?

Under the APP Scam Code you’re protected and will be fully reimbursed if you fall victim to an APP scam, as long as you did everything expected of you under the APP Scam Code.

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What is and is not covered by the APP Scam Code?

The APP Scam Code covers:

  • All personal customers
  • Charities with an annual income of less than £1 million
  • Micro-enterprises – an enterprise which employs fewer than 10 people and whose annual turnover and annual balance sheet total does not exceed EUR 2 million


The APP Scam Code does not cover:

  • Any payments completed before the APP Scam Code came into force on 28th May 2019
  • Where you have a genuine disagreement with the person or company you’re paying. For example, if you’ve paid a retailer or business but you’re not satisfied with the product or service you received
  • International payments. The APP Scam Code applies to UK customers and UK Sterling payments only

Helping you spot scams and keep yourself safe

We have a lot of advice on our website to help you understand common scams and what to look out for. Scammers are always changing tactics, so it's important to stay up to date with these. 

Visit our Security Centre for general advice on how to stay safe and secure.

What to do if you think you are the victim of a scam

If you believe you've been the victim of a scam, or are in contact with someone you think is trying to scam you, contact our dedicated reporting lines.

Not happy with the outcome of your claim?

We always try to give you the best possible service, but sometimes we don't get it right. If you let us know, we've then got the chance to put it right and help prevent the same mistakes in the future.

Other ways to get help