Ben Donaldson, Managing Director for Economic Crime at UK Finance, shares insights on new rules for banks addressing Authorised Push Payment Fraud. Dan Whitworth, a reporter, interviews fraud victims revealing their emotional turmoil and financial losses. They discuss the significant rise in scams, the urgency for banks to reimburse victims swiftly, and the necessity of tech companies' involvement in fraud prevention. Personal stories highlight the challenging road to recovery and the pivotal changes poised to support those affected.
The new fraud rules require banks to refund victims of Authorised Push Payment Fraud up to £85,000 within five working days, greatly enhancing recovery rates.
Concerns remain about smaller payment institutions' ability to comply with these rules and the ongoing responsibility of technology companies in preventing fraud.
Deep dives
Overview of Push Payment Fraud in the UK
Push payment fraud has become a significant issue in the UK, with statistics from 2023 revealing that over 232,000 individuals lost nearly £460 million to these deceptive schemes. This type of fraud operates on psychological manipulation, convincing victims that their funds are at risk and prompting them to make immediate payments to protect their assets. As discussed, the impact of such scams extends beyond financial losses, affecting victims' mental health and emotional well-being, often leaving them feeling violated and anxious. The need for improved safeguards has prompted regulatory changes aimed at increasing reimbursements for victims.
New Reimbursement Rules and Their Impact
New rules set to take effect on October 7th aim to ensure that victims of push payment fraud receive reimbursement much more quickly, with banks mandated to refund up to £85,000 within five working days. These rules are designed to improve accountability among banks and payment firms, as they will also be required to contribute to the reimbursements. Data suggests that under this new scheme, over 99% of victims should now expect to be compensated, a significant increase from the approximately 60% who currently receive refunds. However, while banks are now obligated to refund up to this limit, there remains concern about those who lose amounts greater than £85,000, as they may still face difficulties recovering their full losses.
Challenges in Implementing New Regulations
While the new regulations present a promising step toward improving victim recovery rates, there are concerns about the readiness of smaller payment institutions to comply with these changes. Experts highlight that these entities may struggle with the financial implications of the new rules, particularly regarding accountability for fraudulent transactions processed through their systems. There is ongoing discussion about the responsibility of technology companies in preventing fraud, with calls for them to contribute to a 'fraud levy' to help combat this issue. Additionally, the complexity of distinguishing between gross negligence and genuine victimization poses a challenge in ensuring fair treatment for all affected individuals.
In a special programme broadcast live from the Atrium in Quay House at MediaCityUK, Paul Lewis discusses a momentous change in the way banks treat customers who have money stolen from their bank accounts by what is called Authorised Push Payment Fraud.
In 2023 a record number of people lost hundreds of millions of pounds to thieves who tricked them, manipulated them and then drained their bank accounts.
On October 7th new rules will come into force which mean nearly all transfers will be covered, so that victims will be refunded in the vast majority of cases up to a limit of £85,000.
Money Box gets hundreds of emails from people who've lost money to scams and frauds and this will be life changing for those who find themselves a victim of this kind of crime.
To mark this change, the team will be joined by a panel of experts and people who've lost thousands of pounds in these sort of scams.
Presenter: Paul Lewis
Reporter: Dan Whitworth
Researchers: Catherine Lund and Jo Krasner
Studio Producer: Sarah Rogers
Studio Managers: Pete Smith, Matthew Dempsey and Cameron Ward
Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 5th October 2024)
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