How to Get Your Money Back After a Bank Transfer Scam in the UK
Getting scammed out of your hard earned money is devastating - and getting your money back isn’t easy. Banks often deny refund claims, the rules can be confusing, and most scam victims don’t know where to start.
That’s where Refundee comes in. We’re experts in helping scam victims recover their money - navigating complex banking systems, refund regulations and Ombudsman appeals every day.
This guide explains exactly how to get your money back after a bank transfer scam (also known as an authorised push payment scam, or APP scam), what your rights are, and how Refundee can help you maximise your chances of getting your scammed money back.
What Is an APP (Authorised Push Payment) Scam?
An Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam happens when a scammer tricks you into sending them money voluntarily. Because you authorised the transfer, your bank might initially say they can’t refund it - but that’s not always true.
Common types of APP scams include:
Investment scams promising high returns through crypto, trading, or property deals.
Romance scams where a scammer online builds trust before asking for money.
Purchase scams where fake sellers take payment but never deliver.
Impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as your bank, HMRC, or the police.
APP scams are now one of the UK’s fastest growing types of fraud. UK Finance estimates £1.17 billion was stolen via banking fraud & scams in 2024, of which £451 million was through authorised fraud (APP falls under that).
However, new banking rules and refund protections mean that victims have stronger rights than ever before.
Why Getting Money Back After a Scam Is So Difficult (And How Refundee Helps)
Banks don’t always make it easy for victims to recover their money lost through scams - even when the regulation is on your side. Many people are often told ‘there’s nothing we can do’ or ‘this is a civil dispute’. But that doesn’t mean all hope should be lost.
Refundee’s team includes former banking professionals, finance experts, and ex-Financial Ombudsman staff - people who know exactly how the system works, and how to make it work for you.
With one of the lowest fee structures in the industry and a no win, no fee promise, you’ll never pay a penny unless we recover your money. Any money won via the Refundee refund process goes directly into your bank account - and we only invoice you at the end of the process.
So, what does the process actually look like when you’re trying to get your money back after a scam?
First Steps If You’ve Been Scammed
Time matters. Acting quickly increases your chances of getting your money back after a scam.
1. Contact Your Bank Immediately
Report the scam to your bank as soon as possible - ideally within 24 hours.
Tell them:
You’ve been scammed and the transfer was fraudulent
The date, amount, and any details of the receiving account
Any supporting evidence (emails, screenshots, texts)
Your bank will:
Try to trace and recall the funds by contacting the receiving bank
Start a refund investigation under the Contingent Reimbursement Model (CRM) Code if they’re signed up
Provide you with a case reference number (keep this safe)
If the money was transferred between different banks (for example, from Santander to Monzo), both institutions will coordinate the investigation.
2. Report It to Action Fraud
File a report with Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.
This creates an official record for law enforcement - which could strengthen your refund claim later.
How UK Banks Handle Scam Refund Claims
Most major UK banks follow the CRM Code, which requires them to refund scam victims who weren’t at fault.
You’re more likely to get your money back if:
You were tricked despite taking reasonable care
The bank failed to warn you about potential scams
You weren’t grossly negligent (for example, ignoring an extremely obvious scam warning)
Each bank interprets these rules differently, so don’t give up if your first claim is rejected. We’ve helped many victims successfully get their money back after challenging their bank’s decision.
How to Make a Complaint to Your Bank
If your refund claim is denied or delayed, you have the right to file a formal complaint.
Include:
Your original case reference
A clear timeline of what happened
Evidence that supports your case
Banks have up to 8 weeks to issue a final response. If you’re unhappy with the outcome, you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for an independent review.
Escalating Your Case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
If your bank refuses to refund you, the Financial Ombudsman Service can review your case and overrule their decision.
You can contact the FOS if:
8 weeks have passed since your initial complaint, or
You received a final response from your bank but disagree with it
Visit financial-ombudsman.org.uk to submit your case.
The Ombudsman will review:
What checks your bank performed
Whether the bank warned you properly
How reasonably you acted under the circumstances
Many victims win full or partial refunds through the FOS - especially if they can prove they were misled and acted in good faith.
What Evidence Strengthens Your Scam Refund Claim
The stronger your evidence, the higher your chances of success.
Here’s what to gather before submitting your claim:
Screenshots of messages, emails, or fake websites
Bank transfer records or statements
Screenshots from calls or chats with the scammer or bank
Confirmation of your Action Fraud report
Any correspondence from your bank
Having a clear paper trail shows you acted responsibly - which is key to proving your case under UK refund rules.
Typical Timelines for Scam Refund Claims
Each stage of the process has its own timeline:
Initial bank review: usually within 15 business days
Formal complaint response: up to 8 weeks
Ombudsman decision: typically 3 - 6 months, depending on complexity (very complex cases can sometimes take up to 12 months)
While it can take time, persistence often pays off - especially if you keep records and follow up regularly.
Case Studies: When Victims Won Refunds
Every week, Refundee helps people across the UK recover money their banks initially refused to refund.
After losing £17,935 to a cryptocurrency investment scam, a 48 year old victim was devastated when the Financial Ombudsman initially rejected their case. Refundee appealed the original decision - and the outcome was overturned.
The bank accepted the Ombudsman’s final view, and our client was refunded £26,925, including interest for the years they’d been waiting!
Stories like these show that getting money back after being scammed is absolutely possible with the right support and persistence.
Final Thoughts
Losing money to a scam can feel like the end of the road - but in the UK, it doesn’t have to be.
Banks, regulators, and consumer protection laws are increasingly on the side of scam victims. If you take the right steps - and get help when you need it - you can often get your money back after a scam, and your peace of mind.
If you’ve been scammed, don’t give up. Scam refund claims succeed every day - yours could be next. Refundee is here to help you get your money back after a scam.
FAQs
Who can help UK victims recover money lost to authorised push payment scams?
Your bank, the Financial Ombudsman Service, and professional refund specialists like Refundee can all help you reclaim your money.
What are the steps to claim reimbursement for a bank transfer scam in the UK?
Report the scam to your bank, submit a complaint if needed, escalate to the FOS, and provide strong evidence to support your claim.
How long do UK banks have to respond to a fraud refund complaint?
Banks must issue a final response within 8 weeks of receiving your formal complaint.
What are the typical timelines for a UK bank scam reimbursement claim?
Investigations can take 15 business days initially, and up to 3 - 6 months if escalated to the Ombudsman - but many successful cases are resolved faster.
