Will Natwest Bank Refund Scammed Money? (2026 Guide)
If you were the victim of a scam and you sent the funds from a Natwest bank account you may be able to recover your funds under new reimbursement rules introduced in October 2024 for Authorised Push Payment Fraud (APP) in the UK.
This guide will provide you with the following information:
What the new reimbursement rule means for you
When Natwest has to refund you
What counts as APP fraud
How to claim your scammed money back
What to do if Natwest reject your claim
What Is APP Fraud - And Why It Matters
APP fraud happens when a scammer manipulates you into sending them money. You authorise the payment, but only because you were deceived.
Common examples include:
Impersonation scams (e.g. ‘Barclays’, ‘HMRC’, ‘Amazon’)
Cryptocurrency scam platforms
Why this matters: If you were tricked, you should be protected. APP fraud victims are now covered by strong reimbursement rules, which significantly increase your chances of getting your money back.
What Changed In October 2024 - And What It Means For You
On 7 October 2024, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) introduced Mandatory Reimbursement (MR) for APP fraud. This was a major shift, and it benefits scam victims.
In simple terms: Refunding scam victims is now a legal obligation, not a goodwill gesture. Most APP fraud victims must be refunded by their bank.
Key parts of the new rules:
Banks must refund most APP fraud victims
Maximum refund: £85,000 per claim
Banks can deduct an excess of up to £100 (this doesn’t apply to vulnerable customers)
Victims must report the scam and provide info promptly
Banks cannot delay claims indefinitely
What this means for you: If you were manipulated into transferring money, Natwest will usually have to reimburse you, and quickly.
Natwest’s Policy - When You Are Likely To Get Refunded (Or Rejected)
Natwest has long been part of the CRM Code, so they already had a system for assessing scam claims. The new 2024 rules strengthen your position even further when claiming for your refund.
You’re likely to get refunded if:
You were genuinely tricked
You didn’t knowingly send money to a scammer
You reported the scam quickly
You cooperated fully with the bank
You didn’t ignore clear, specific scam warnings
Natwest may refuse your refund if:
They believe you knowingly authorised the payment
You didn’t respond to their information requests
You ignored specific scam warnings shown at the time of payment
You shared secure info (PINs, login codes, etc)
What This Means For You (And Other Natwest Customers) In 2026
Thanks to the 2024 rule changes, Natwest now has a legal duty to refund most APP scam victims.
This means:
Your chances of getting your money back are significantly higher
You’re protected for up to £85,000 per claim
Vulnerable customers get even stronger protections
Natwest must handle your claim within proper timelines
But remember: Refunds aren’t automatic. You still need to act quickly, cooperate, and show you were misled.
Should You Expect Natwest To Refund You?
In many cases, yes.
If you were deceived, acted reasonably, and reported the scam quickly, there’s a strong chance Natwest will refund you - especially under the October 2024 rules.
Natwest Has Rejected My Claim - What Can I do?
If you’ve been scammed and Natwest has refused to refund your money, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Refundee helps scam victims understand their rights and challenge bank decisions when fraud protections haven’t been applied correctly. In some Natwest cases, customers are told they’re responsible for the loss - even where red flags were missed or extra checks should have been made.
Refundee has assisted Natwest customers in recovering funds lost due to scams. In a particular case, a victim of a scam sought our support after exhausting other options and lacking awareness of their reimbursement rights. We carried out a comprehensive investigation and provided guidance throughout the process, ultimately recovering £44,000 lost to a cryptocurrency investment scam.
We assist Natwest scam cases involving investment fraud, crypto scams, impersonation scams, and authorised push payment (APP) fraud.
We’ve already recovered over £130 million for UK scam victims (including many Natwest customers) and can help you understand your rights or challenge a rejected claim.
Read more about our clients experiences through our verified TrustPilot reviews.
How Refundee helps Natwest scam victims
With Refundee, you get:
A free, no obligation case review
Clear guidance on your rights and whether Natwest followed proper fraud procedures
Help challenging refund refusals and escalating complaints
No win, no fee support - you only pay if your claim is successful
If You Experienced A Scam Involving Natwest:
If Natwest has refused to refund your scam loss, Refundee can help you explore your options and guide you through the next steps.
Start your claim online today and get support at every stage, from understanding your case to pursuing a potential refund.
Related Posts
What banks are signed up to the Contingent Reimbursement Model Code?
How to make a claim by yourself (Refundee’s DIY guide to scam refund claims)
Refundee is a ‘Claims Management Company’, but what does that actually mean?
The Rise of Cryptocurrency Scams in 2025 - How to Spot Them & Stay Safe
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ’s
-
It is not definitive if they will refund you, however recent regulations such as the MRR Model has increased protection for fraud victims in the UK.
-
If you’ve been scammed and Natwest has refused to refund your money, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Refundee helps scam victims understand their rights and challenge bank decisions when fraud protections haven’t been applied correctly. In some Natwest cases, customers are told they’re responsible for the loss - even where red flags were missed or extra checks should have been made.
You can contact us for a free assessment to see if you are eligible.
-
Key parts of the new rules:
Banks must refund most APP fraud victims
Maximum refund: £85,000 per claim
Banks can deduct an excess of up to £100 (this doesn’t apply to vulnerable customers)
Victims must report the scam and provide info promptly
Banks cannot delay claims indefinitely
What this means for you: If you were manipulated into transferring money, the bank will usually have to reimburse you, and quickly.
