APP Fraud – Be Aware

Published: October 3, 2024

Stay alert, stay safe​

We tend to think of authorised push payment (APP) fraud as something that happens to other people. In reality, anyone can be a target, so it’s important to stay alert. ​

There are lots of things we do to protect your organisation, but learning about common scams and the tactics criminals use can help you spot when something’s not right. ​

Remember, we’ll never ask you to:​

• share your online banking password ​
• transfer money anywhere​
• send us your card, cheque book or cash​

Stop, challenge, protect​

If you’re contacted out of the blue by phone, email or text:​

• stop – taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.​
• challenge – could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.​
• protect – check with someone you trust, such as a friend or family member and contact Unity Trust Bank directly.​

So, you think you’ve been targeted?

If you think you might be a victim of authorised push payment fraud or suspect fraudulent activity taking place on your Unity Trust Bank account, let us know as soon as you can.

Reporting to Unity

1. You can report this via our Fraud form, available online here, or to our 24/7 dedicated fraud line, where, during working hours^, you’ll be put through to a member of our customer service team. The freephone number is 0808 196 8420.

2. If your business has a Relationship Manager you can also choose to report it directly to them, however if you’re unable to get hold of them, please don’t delay reporting this, complete the online Fraud form or call our 24/7 fraud line.

National reporting

If your business is located in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, please also complete an online report with Action Fraud who are the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. If the affected business is in Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101*.

*To reach Police Scotland’s financial fraud team on 101 you must be calling from Scotland.