Don't let a scammer talk you into sending your money

Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud happens when criminals convince you to make a payment to them. Whether it's a bargain that seems too good to be true, a fake investment opportunity, or a trusted-looking request, the result is the same: your money ends up in the wrong hands.

1. Purchase Scams

You pay. The item never arrives. 

Purchase scams occur when fraudsters advertise products, services, tickets, pets, vehicles, or luxury items that don't actually exist. Once you've paid, the seller disappears, blocks contact, or continues making excuses while asking for more money. 

Watch out for: 

    • Luxury items, concert tickets, electronics, or holidays being sold far below market value. 

    • Large discounts designed to create excitement and stop you from checking details. 

    • Limited-time "exclusive offers" that pressure you to act fast. 

    • Claims that other buyers are interested. 

    • Messages saying "first come, first served." 

    • Pressure to transfer money immediately to secure the deal. 

    • New websites with very little online presence. 

    • Reviews that sound identical or overly positive. 

    • No independent reviews found outside the seller's own website. 

    • Being asked to move the conversation from eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or another selling platform. 

    • Requests for direct bank transfers instead of secure payment methods. 

    • Claims that paying outside the platform will save money or avoid fees. 

2. Advance Fee Scams

An upfront payment leads to an empty promise. 

An advance fee scam happens when you're asked to make a payment upfront in exchange for something valuable that never appears. It could be a loan, prize, inheritance, job opportunity, rental property, or exclusive investment. 

Red flags: 

    • "This offer expires today." 

    • "You must pay now to secure your place." 

    • "Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." 

     

    Scammers create urgency to stop you thinking critically. 

    • Winning competitions you never entered. 

    • Being offered a loan without checks. 

    • Promises of easy money, high-paying jobs, or financial assistance. 

    • Administration charges. 

    • Processing fees. 

    • Tax payments before receiving prize money. 

    • Security deposits for non-existent opportunities. 

3. Job Impersonation Scams

The job sounds perfect. The opportunity isn't. 

Scammers pose as recruiters or employers, offering flexible, remote, or high-paying roles that require little experience. Their goal is often to trick you into sending money, sharing personal information, or moving funds through your account. 

Watch out for: 

    • Recruiters contacting you out of the blue. 

    • Jobs offering high pay for minimal work or experience. 

    • Promises of guaranteed earnings or rapid income. 

    • Rating videos or products. 

    • Liking social media content. 

    • Completing basic online tasks for unusually high rewards. 

     

    Scammers may make small payments at first to gain your trust. 

    • Fees to unlock earnings or start work. 

    • Payments for training, equipment, or account activation. 

    • Requests to buy cryptocurrency as part of the role. 

    • Receiving and forwarding money through your account. 

    • Processing payments on behalf of others. 

    • Using your personal bank account for company transactions. 

4. Investment Scams 

High returns. High pressure. High risk. 

Investment scams convince people to transfer money into fake investments that promise substantial profits. Criminals often impersonate investment firms, wealth managers, cryptocurrency experts, or financial advisers. 

Warning signs: 

    • Claims of "risk-free" investing. 

    • Guaranteed profits regardless of market conditions. 

    • Returns significantly higher than other investments. 

     

    Remember: every genuine investment carries risk. 

    • "Act today before the opportunity closes." 

    • "Only a few spaces remain." 

    • Constant calls, texts, or emails demanding a decisions 

     

    Legitimate advisers give you time to think. 

    • Sophisticated dashboards showing fake profits. 

    • Fake account balances increasing daily. 

    • Websites designed to look like regulated financial services. 

     

    Just because it looks genuine doesn't mean it is. 

    • New fees appear when you try to withdraw funds. 

    • Customer support becomes unavailable. 

    • Requests for additional deposits to unlock your investment. 

5. Impersonation Scams 

They pretend to be someone you trust. 

Fraudsters can impersonate family members, friends, employers, banks, delivery companies, utility providers, government agencies, or even law enforcement. Their goal is to make you believe the request is genuine. 

Look out for: 

    • Requests to transfer funds urgently. 

    • Demands for passwords, security codes, or personal details. 

    • Claims that your account is at risk. 

     

    Trustworthy organisations won't pressure you this way. 

    • Different phone numbers or email addresses. 

    • Poor grammar or unusual wording. 

    • Communication channels you've never used before. 

    • "Your account will be closed today." 

    • "A family member needs emergency help." 

    • Threats, fear tactics, or emotional stories designed to create panic. 

     

    Emotion is one of a scammer's most powerful tools. 

    • Asking you not to speak to family, friends, or your bank. 

    • Encouraging you to act without consulting anyone. 

6. Money Mule Scams 

Easy money can come at a serious cost. 

Money mule scams recruit people to receive and transfer money through their bank account. Criminals use mule accounts to move stolen funds and hide the money trail. 

Many victims don't realise they're helping criminals until it's too late. 

Red flags:

    • "Earn hundreds from home." 

    • "No experience needed." 

    • "Keep a percentage of every transaction." 

     

    If earning money sounds effortless, be cautious. 

    • Allowing funds to pass through your account. 

    • Sending money to another person or overseas account. 

    • Converting money into cryptocurrency on someone else's behalf. 

    • Recruitment through social media. 

    • Poorly written job descriptions. 

    • No interview process or employment checks. 

    • Requests to move money for a stranger or online contact. 

    • Instructions to withdraw cash and send it elsewhere. 

    • Claims that it's part of a legitimate business process. 

How we help keep your account secure

  • Accounts are monitored for unusual or suspicious activity.
  • Alerts are sent through the app and by email about emerging scams.
  • You will never be asked for your login details, password, or PIN.


If you ever suspect fraud, report it immediately through our official help centre.