TBT CHECKS
According to UK Finance’s annual report published in June 2026, payment fraud losses in the UK reached £1.28bn in 2025, 4% more than a year earlier. More than 4 million cases were recorded.
APP (authorised push payment) fraud, in which victims make the transfer themselves, caused losses of £576.4m, up 19%. The largest part was fake investments: £221.5m, 40% more than a year earlier. About two thirds of APP fraud started online, and 17% by phone.
Losses from unauthorised transactions, such as stolen card details, fell by 5% to £703.4m. Banks reimbursed APP fraud victims £354.3m, or 61% of losses.
Editorial comment
The figures confirm that fraudsters are less and less often “breaking into” accounts. More often they persuade us to send the money ourselves. Fake investments, often advertised with the faces of famous people or generated by AI, reach Polish audiences in Polish too. If someone promises guaranteed profit and urgency, that is your answer.
What to do
- Check every investment firm on the FCA Register and the FCA warning list.
- Do not invest through messaging apps or on the strength of adverts featuring famous people.
- Before a larger transfer, take a break and discuss the decision with someone you trust.
- If you have been defrauded, call your bank immediately on 159.
What do you think?
Have you come across a scam like this? What worked and what didn’t? Tell us in the comments below the article. We will cover the most interesting views in future editions.
Sources
© THE BUSINESS TIME / Argonauts Media Group Limited. Original editorial content. Copying, downloading and distribution without the publisher’s written consent are prohibited. Illustrative photo: Pexels.
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