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How to Recover Money Lost to Fraud in the UK: A Safe, Step-by-Step Guide

What actually gets money back, in order of speed.

How to Recover Money Lost to Fraud in the UK: A Safe, Step-by-Step Guide Property Legal, Risk & Compliance

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Fraud · Recovering money

Getting money back after fraud

Bankcall now
Reimbursementup to £85,000
Ombudsmanfree
Bewarerecovery scams
In short: The fastest route to getting money back after fraud is usually your own bank. If you were tricked into sending a bank transfer, UK payment firms must reimburse most authorised push payment (APP) scam victims, up to £85,000 per claim, for payments made since 7 October 2024, unless you were grossly negligent. Card payments may be recoverable by chargeback or under Section 75 for credit card purchases from £100 to £30,000. Report to Action Fraud (or Police Scotland), and if your bank refuses, complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which is free. Ignore any company that contacts you offering to recover your money for a fee. Fraser Bond is a London property agency, not a recovery firm or law firm. This guide is independent information to help you act quickly and safely.
How you paidMain route
Bank transfer (tricked into it)APP reimbursement claim with your bank
Bank transfer (not authorised by you)Unauthorised payment refund
Debit cardChargeback via your bank
Credit card £100–£30,000Section 75 claim
CryptoExchange freeze, police, civil action
Cash or gift cardsPolice report; recovery is rare

Which route applies?

What to do, in order

1
Call your bank nowUse the number on your card, or call 159 in the UK.
2
Report itAction Fraud, or Police Scotland on 101; get a crime reference number.
3
Make a claimReimbursement, chargeback or Section 75.
4
EscalateTo the Financial Ombudsman if your bank says no or doesn't reply within the time limits.
5
Protect yourselfChange passwords and watch for follow-up scams.

Frequently asked questions

Is that recovery firm genuine?

A company contacts you offering to recover your lost crypto. Which describes them?

Will my bank refund a scam payment?

For most APP scams since 7 October 2024, up to £85,000, unless you were grossly negligent.

Is it worth using a recovery company?

Usually not; many are scams, and the free routes above come first.

Does Fraser Bond recover money?

No. We're a property agency.

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