Bank transfer Scams
Authorised push payment fraud — when your own bank transfer becomes the scam.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Bank transfer fraud — also called authorised push payment (APP) fraud — happens when a victim is deceived into authorising a transfer from their own bank account to a fraudulent one. Because the account holder initiates the transfer themselves, banks have historically been reluctant to treat it as fraud.
Scammers impersonate banks, HMRC, the police, or trusted companies to convince victims a transfer is urgently needed. They may also intercept genuine payment instructions — such as invoices — and substitute their own account details. This type of fraud accounts for a substantial share of financial fraud losses in countries with widespread online banking.
This guide covers the main scenarios, how to recognise them, and your rights if you have been a victim.
Common scams using Bank transfer
Bank impersonation safe-account scam
A caller posing as your bank tells you fraudsters have accessed your account and you must move your money to a 'safe account' — which they control.
Invoice and payment redirection fraud
Fraudsters intercept email correspondence between a business and its suppliers to divert legitimate payments to their accounts.
HMRC / tax authority impersonation
Victims are told they owe tax and will be arrested unless they transfer money immediately.
Purchase scam
Victims pay a bank transfer for goods — a car, a holiday, a pet — that never materialise.
Common red flags
- Any caller instructing you to move your money to a different account for safety
- Last-minute changes to bank account details for a payment you were already expecting to make
- Urgency and threats designed to prevent you from thinking or seeking a second opinion
- A 'police officer' telling you to withdraw or transfer funds as part of an investigation
- Pressure to keep the transfer secret from family, friends, or your bank
How to protect yourself
- Use Confirmation of Payee when making new bank transfers — check the name matches who you expect
- Verify any change to payment details by calling the supplier or organisation on a number you already hold
- If your bank calls and asks you to transfer money, hang up and call the number on the back of your card
- Never allow yourself to be pressured into a same-day transfer — take time to verify
- Register for online banking alerts to monitor transfers
How to report it
- Contact your bank immediately — under reimbursement rules in some countries (including the UK), victims may be entitled to refunds
- Report to your national fraud authority
- In the UK, report to Action Fraud; if you feel in immediate danger, call 999
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my money back from a bank transfer scam?
In the UK, the Payment Systems Regulator's mandatory reimbursement rules require banks to reimburse most APP fraud victims. In other countries, outcomes vary. Contact your bank immediately and ask about their APP fraud refund policy.
My bank called and asked me to transfer money to protect it — is that real?
No. Banks never instruct customers to transfer money to a 'safe account' over the phone. This is one of the most common bank impersonation scripts. Hang up and call your bank on the number printed on your card.
What is Confirmation of Payee?
Confirmation of Payee (CoP) is a check some banks run that verifies whether the account name you have entered matches the account number and sort code. Always use it when making new payees — a mismatch is a strong warning sign.