Can I get my money back after a bank transfer scam?
Sometimes. Report to your bank immediately — speed greatly improves your chances, and in many countries authorised push-payment fraud now has formal reimbursement rules.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
If you were deceived into authorising a bank transfer to a scammer, contact your bank the moment you realise what has happened. Banks can attempt to recall the funds from the receiving bank, and some have internal reimbursement policies for Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud.
In the UK, mandatory reimbursement rules now apply for most APP scams under a certain threshold. In other countries, policies vary. The key factors are speed (some money may still be sitting in the receiving account), whether you can show you were deceived, and whether the bank's safeguards were adequate. Keep all evidence — messages, receipts, and records of how you were persuaded — as this supports your case.
Common red flags
- You were urged to transfer money quickly, often to a 'safe account'
- The payee was someone you had only recently met online or by phone
- A caller claimed to be from your bank, the police, or a government agency
- You were asked to keep the transfer secret
What to do now
- Call your bank immediately — time is critical
- Ask the bank to contact the receiving bank and attempt a recall
- Report the scam to your national fraud service and keep the reference number
- Gather and preserve all messages, call logs, and payment records
- Ask your bank about their APP fraud reimbursement policy in writing
Frequently asked questions
Does it matter whether I transferred by faster payment, CHAPS, or BACS?
Faster payments move quickly and the window for recall is narrow; CHAPS transfers are high-value and banks treat them seriously. In all cases, call your bank immediately regardless of method.
What if my bank says I authorised the payment so I'm not eligible?
If you were deceived into authorising the payment, you may still have a case. Ask about APP fraud policy specifically, escalate to your bank's complaints process, and in the UK you can refer disputes to the Financial Ombudsman Service.