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Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams occur when someone tricks you into sending money to a fraudster posing as a genuine payee. Some common examples are when a scammer tricks you into making a payment and the recipient isn’t the person you intended to pay, the payment wasn’t for the purpose that you originally agreed, or the goods/services didn’t exist.

Some of the most common types of scams we see are listed below – by pressing ‘Find out more’ you’ll learn the steps needed to protect your business falling victim.

Business Email Compromise

This is where email addresses are hacked or spoofed (copied) and emails are sent to trick the recipient in to sending funds to a fraudulent account.

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Phone Scams (Vishing)

Phone scams are where fraudsters call you trying to obtain information or to trick you in to sending money to a fraudulent account.

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Investment Scams

Investment scams are where fraudsters contact you about an opportunity to invest your money in a scheme to make a profit.

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Purchase Scams

Purchase scams are where goods or services are purchased online but they never materialise.

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Email Scams (Phishing)

Phishing is an email scam where fraudsters pretend to be a genuine organisation and try to steal your information or install malware on your device.

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Text Message Scams (Smishing)

Smishing is a text message scam where fraudsters pretend to be a genuine organisation and try to steal your information or install malware on your device.

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Further Resources

Take 5 – Stop, Challenge and Protect

NCSC – National Cyber Security Centre advice and guidance on a range of cyber topics

Guide to protecting your business from payment fraud