Why this matters
An Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam is when a fraudster tricks you into sending money yourself to an account they control. Because you approved the payment, it looks legitimate — which makes these scams especially damaging and hard to reverse.
APP scams are now one of the most common ways people lose money to fraud. The defence is understanding the setups fraudsters use, so you can recognise one before you pay.
How APP scams work
The fraudster's goal is to get you to press send. They do this by creating a believable reason and enough urgency that you don't stop to verify. The money often passes through several accounts within minutes, making recovery difficult.
Common types of APP scam
"Safe account" scam. Someone posing as your bank or a payment provider says your money is at risk and must be moved to a "safe account." → See: "Safe Account" & Bank Impersonation Scams
Purchase scam. You pay in advance for goods or services — often an online marketplace bargain — that never arrive.
Invoice / payment redirection. A real invoice is intercepted or faked, and you're given new bank details. → See: Invoice & Payment Redirection Fraud
Impersonation of someone you know. A "friend" or "family member" messages urgently asking for money.
Investment scam. You transfer money to a fake investment platform expecting returns. → See: Investment Scams & Fake Opportunities
Advance-fee scam. You pay a small upfront "fee" to unlock a prize, loan, or job that doesn't exist.
Romance scam. Someone builds a relationship online, then asks for money. → See: Romance & Trust-Based Scams
Warning signs
You're contacted unexpectedly and asked to make a payment.
There's pressure and urgency — you must act now.
You're told to keep the payment secret or not to tell staff the real reason.
The payment method is unusual or the account details are new.
The deal feels too good to be true, or the story tugs at your emotions.
How to protect yourself
Stop and verify before sending money to anyone new. → See: Before You Send: Verifying Payment Details & Beneficiaries
Never move money to a "safe account." No genuine institution will ever ask this.
Confirm requests independently. Call the person or company back on a trusted number.
Resist urgency. A real, honest request survives you taking time to check.
Ask us first. If you're unsure about a payment, message the 24/7 support chat before you send.
What an APP scam sounds like
"This is your bank's fraud team. Someone is trying to take your money. To keep it safe, transfer your balance to the secure account I'll give you now — and please stay on the line."
Everything about this is designed to rush you. Hanging up and checking independently stops it.
What to do if you've paid
Contact us immediately through the in-app support chat — acting fast gives the best chance of stopping the money.
Stop any further payments and cut contact with the fraudster.
Ignore "recovery" offers to retrieve your money for a fee — they're a second scam.
Keep records and report it so we can investigate and protect others.
→ See: I Think I've Been Scammed: Immediate Steps