Authorised Push Payment Fraud
When you are tricked into sending money yourself to a scammer's account.
How it appears in scam messages
In authorised push payment (APP) fraud, the scammer convinces you to send the money yourself — to a 'safe account', a fake invoice, a bogus investment, or a seller who never delivers. Because the transfer comes from your own banking app and you approved it, banks may treat it differently from card fraud. The pressure is usually speed: act now or lose your money, the deal, or your account.
Example only - do not act on it
Example only: For your safety, move your balance to this protected account immediately. [account details removed]
Why it matters
Because you authorised it, recovery can be harder - prevention matters.
Common red flags
- You are asked to transfer money yourself, urgently
- A 'safe account', new payee, or changed bank details
- The reason relies on fear or a deal that expires
- You're told not to discuss it with the bank or anyone
Safe next steps
- Stop and verify through official channels you find yourself
- Never share codes, passwords, or card details from a message
- Use the message checker if you are unsure
- Report and block the sender
Related scam types
Related scam messages you can check
- Is this bank account blocked SMS a scam?
- Is this fake KYC update bank message a scam?
- Is this card blocked SMS scam a scam?
- Is this suspicious transaction alert SMS a scam?
Related scam-type hubs
Related red flags
Emergency guides
Frequently asked questions
How can I avoid authorised push payment fraud?
Slow down, never act on urgency, and verify through official apps or websites you open yourself. Use the free checker if a message seems off.
What if I have already been affected?
Contact your bank or the relevant provider through official channels, change any exposed passwords from a trusted device, and save evidence. See our recovery guides.