Will your bank refund scammed money?

The refund rules are the same whichever UK bank you use. How each bank handles a claim is not. Choose your bank below to see your rights.

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Should you expect your bank to refund you?

Since 7 October 2024, every UK bank and payment provider has had to reimburse victims of authorised push payment fraud, up to £85,000 per claim. Payments made before that date may fall under the voluntary CRM Code or the bank's general duty to protect you. The starting point is the same: if you were tricked into sending money, you should usually get it back.

Where banks differ is in how they read the evidence, how they handle complaints, and how often their decisions change once they are challenged. That is why each bank has its own page.

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How the money-back rules work

If your bank has already said no

A rejected claim is not the end of it. Banks sometimes refuse claims they should pay, and their reasons can be challenged with the Financial Ombudsman Service. We'll give you an honest view of whether yours is worth pursuing.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I have just been scammed?

Call your bank’s fraud line straight away, using the number on your card or its official website. Stop any further payments, change your passwords and report the crime. Then keep every message and statement.

Can I get my money back if I was scammed?

Often, yes. For UK bank transfers made on or after 7 October 2024, banks must reimburse most victims up to £85,000 per claim. For other payments, different rules apply. Nobody can guarantee an outcome.

How do I claim my money back from my bank?

Report the fraud to your bank, then make a formal complaint in writing listing every payment and asking to be reimbursed. If you disagree with the bank’s final response, you can go to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

My bank has rejected my claim. What can I do?

Ask for the decision in writing, check the reasons against the rules, and refer the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service, normally within six months. It is free and independent.

Can you help me recover my money from my bank?

We can review what happened for free, tell you honestly whether we think you have a claim, and pursue it with your bank and the ombudsman if you want us to. You can also do it yourself for free.

All questions