Authorized Push Payment (APP) fraud is one of the most damaging forms of digital deception. The pattern repeats itself thousands of times each year: an email from the bank’s security team warning of suspicious activity. A phone call that follows immediately. The caller ID matches. The “fraud prevention officer” knows details about recent transactions.
Within minutes, the victim authorizes a transfer to “protect” their savings — often tens of thousands of pounds. The realization comes too late. The money is already gone. This is Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud — a crime where the victim themselves, under manipulation, authorizes the transfer. Unlike unauthorized fraud where criminals break into accounts, APP fraud weaponizes human psychology. The victim willingly — though unknowingly — hands over their money.
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Source: Group IB
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