Will Monzo Refund Scammed Money? (2026 Guide)
If you’ve lost money through a scam while banking with Monzo, you may be entitled to get your money back - and the rules that came into force in late 2024 make that much more likely.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, including when Monzo must refund you, what counts as APP fraud, and what to do if your scam refund claim is turned down.
Can Monzo Refund Money Lost to a Scam?
In many cases, yes.
Since October 2024, banks like Monzo are required to reimburse most customers who are victims of Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud.
The short version: If you were tricked into sending money, you’re protected.
In this article, we’ll cover:
When Monzo has to refund money lost to scams
How the 2024 reimbursement rules work
The types of scams these rules apply to
How to make a claim
What to do if Monzo rejects you
What Is APP Fraud - and Why Does It Matter for Monzo Customers?
APP fraud happens when a scammer persuades you to transfer money to them via your bank or payment service provider. You approve the payment, but only because you were manipulated, pressured, or misled.
Typical examples of this type of scam include:
Impersonation fraud (e.g., ‘Monzo support’, ‘HMRC’, ‘Evri’)
Crypto platforms that aren't real
Job or task scams promising easy income
Why understanding this matters
APP fraud victims are now covered by new reimbursement rules. If you acted in good faith and were deceived, the bank has a responsibility to put things right.
What Changed in October 2024 (And Why It Helps You)
The Payment Systems Regulator introduced new mandatory rules on 7 October 2024 that reshaped how banks handle scam claims.
Before this, refunds were voluntary under the CRM Code. Now, they’re a legal requirement for most APP fraud cases.
The key points:
Banks must reimburse the majority of APP fraud victims
Each claim is covered up to £85,000
Banks can apply a £100 excess (unless the customer is vulnerable)
You must report the fraud and cooperate with the investigation
Banks have limited time to assess your claim - they can’t stall your claim indefinitely
What this means for Monzo customers
If you were misled into making a transfer, Monzo will typically have to refund you - and not months later, but within a set timeframe.
Monzo’s Approach: When Refunds Are Likely (and When They’re Not)
Monzo signed up to the CRM Code early on, so they were already used to refunding scam victims before the 2024 rule change.
The difference now is that your rights are stronger and clearer.
You're more likely to be refunded if:
You were genuinely deceived
You seemed to act reasonably based on what you knew
You told Monzo about the scam quickly
You engaged with their questions and requests
You didn’t ignore any clear scam warnings from the bank (specific to the scam you experienced)
Monzo may refuse a refund if:
They believe you knowingly transferred money to a scammer
You didn’t provide information when asked
You ignored explicit scam warnings from Monzo (again, these must be specific to the scam, not just generic in-app warnings)
You shared secure banking information (such as PINs or security codes)
What Monzo Customers Should Expect in 2026
With the mandatory rules now well established, Monzo customers have stronger protections than ever.
Here’s what this means for you:
A significant increase in the likelihood of getting money back
Protection up to £85,000 per scam
Additional support if you’re considered vulnerable
Clear timelines: cases shouldn’t drag on for a long time
However, refunds aren’t automatic. You still need to show that you were misled and acted reasonably based on the information you had.
Can You Expect Monzo to Refund You?
In many situations, yes.
Most people who were manipulated, acted in good faith, and reported the fraud promptly stand a strong chance of reimbursement - especially now the rules are mandatory.
But if Monzo refuses your claim, delays your case, or blames you unfairly, you still have options.
How to Make a Bank Fraud Claim Against Monzo
Being scammed is stressful - and it can feel even more frustrating if Monzo tells you there’s nothing they can do.
Refundee works with scam victims to review Monzo fraud cases and identify where refund decisions may be challenged. Even with digital only banks, customers still have protections when scams occur.
Refundee has helped Monzo customers who were initially refused refunds after being scammed. In one Monzo related case, a customer worked with Refundee to escalate their claim and later shared their experience in a verified Trustpilot review.
We regularly assist with Monzo scam cases involving crypto scams, fake investments, impersonation fraud and APP scams.
How Refundee helps with Monzo scam claims
With Refundee, you get:
A free, no obligation review of your Monzo case
Clear explanations of what Monzo should have done to protect you
Support challenging rejected refunds and escalating complaints
No upfront costs - fees only apply if your claim succeeds
If You’ve Experienced a Scam Involving Monzo
If Monzo has declined your scam refund, Refundee can help you understand whether that decision was fair. If it wasn’t fair, we could help you get your scammed money back.
We’ve already helped UK scam victims recover over £100 million (including many Monzo cases) and can help you challenge a decision or understand your rights.
Start your claim today and get expert support through every single step.
