Authorised Push Payment (APP) Fraud
As of October 7th 2024, Sciopay Ltd are legally required to comply with the Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam reimbursement rules which have been set out by the UK’s Payment Systems Regulator (PSR).
This page will outline your rights as a consumer relating to APP fraud, the eligibility criteria under these rules, and general guidance on what to do if you fall victim to an APP scam and are required to make a claim.
What is APP fraud?
APP fraud occurs when a consumer is deceived into transferring money to a
fraudster’s bank account. Under these new rules, victims of APP scams will be
reimbursed for their losses, provided their claim meets the regulatory
eligibility criteria.
Can I make a claim?
The reimbursement requirement applies to individuals, microenterprises
(businesses with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet
under €2 million), and charities (with an annual turnover of less than £1
million) who use a PSP when an APP scam payment is made via CHAPS or Faster
Payments within the UK. Claims are only eligible for payments made on or after
October 7th 2024.
You must file your claim within 13 months of the final fraudulent payment. We
are required to reimburse eligible claims within five working days of receiving
them, subject to the ‘stop the clock’ provision (explained below).
What is the stop the clock provision?
We may pause the five day reimbursement period if
further information is required from you or another PSP. Depending on the case,
you will receive a decision by no later than the 35th working day after
reporting the scam.
What is the maximum reimbursement I can receive?
The maximum reimbursement for an APP scam is £85,000.
There is an excess of £100 for each APP scam claim, which will be deducted from
the reimbursable amount.
What do we expect of you?
Both we and the PSR expect you to take measured precautions when making
payments. Your APP claim may be denied if you fail to meet the following
standards, known as the ‘Consumer Standard of Caution’:
- You must follow warnings from us about potential fraud
- You must promptly report suspected fraud, ideally as soon as possible but
no later than 13 months after the last fraudulent payment was transacted - You need to provide us with the necessary information to assess and
investigate your claim - You must report the fraud to the relevant authorities or permit us to do so
on your behalf
What are the exclusions relating to APP fraud claims?
Certain situations are excluded from reimbursement, including but not limited
to:
- Providing false information for financial gain
- Payments made before October 7th 2024, or claims submitted more than 13
months after the last fraudulent payment - Payments made using your card
- Scam payments involving cash
- Civil disputes where a legitimate supplier was paid with no intent to
defraud - Payments to or from credit unions, municipal banks, and national savings
banks
How can I make an APP fraud claim?
If you believe you’ve been a victim of an APP scam, contact us immediately
|on +44(0) 203 992 7639 or via email at info@sciopay.co, as delays could
affect your entitlement to a refund.
Please ensure you collect as much evidence as possible and keep records of all
communications with the scammer. We will keep you informed throughout the claim
process and may ask for additional information to support it.
If required, you can report the fraud to a national authority or allow us to do
so on your behalf.
If you’re dissatisfied with the outcome of a claim, you can escalate by raising
a complaint. Our complaints procedure can be found here.
Are there tips on protecting my account?
For more information on the different types of scams and tips on how to protect
your account, please visit our scams and fraud awareness page here.
Useful links
APP (Authorised Push Payment) Reimbursement Policy – Pay.UK (wearepay.uk)
