Capital Refund House
If you've been scammed, we can help you get your money back.
We Got Peter £62k Of His Money Back
Peter lost thousands in an elaborate crypto scam. He felt like giving him, as he explains in this video, until he learned he could recover his money. With our help, he did.
Recover Money Lost To Fraud
Being scammed out of your hard-earned money can be a sickening feeling. However, it’s more common than you think. In October 2024, the BBC reported that fraudsters were stealing up to £3 million a day, with fraud cases rising 16%.
Scams have become more sophisticated than ever and even the sharpest person can get caught out.
If you’ve been scammed and want to recover your money, we can help. And we can do so on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that if we aren’t able to successfully recover your funds, you don’t pay us a penny.
To check for free if we can help, get in touch with us today.
How We Can Help If You've Been Scammed
Free Expert Advice
We pride ourselves on ensuring everyone has access to quality representation. We offer free advice to everyone who contacts us and if we can see if you have a good claim, we’ll get to work right away
No Win No Fee
Our team work on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you don’t pay any fees upfront and nothing as the case progresses. If we don’t help you get your money back, you don’t pay a penny
60 Second Check
Our team of expert advisers can quickly tell you whether or not you could be entitled to compensation for fraud as well as how much you could be entitled to.
What Is Fraud?
Fraud refers to incidents where someone has been tricked, conned or misrepresented into giving access to accounts or making the likes of bank transfers.
In many cases, there will be a deliberate intention on the part of the fraudster to falsely represent who they are, for example, impersonating your bank.
They could lie or make false statements or create a story to try and deceive you.
As a result of this misrepresentation, a person who takes action, such as sharing banking information, will no doubt have relied on the lies being true.
If you think you’ve been scammed or are the victim of fraud, get in touch with us today to see if we can help you recover your money.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Fraud?
Financial fraud is wide-ranging and can occur in many different ways. We have the expertise to help you recover your money in many of these cases.
- Impersonation scams, such as fraudsters posing as banks or trusted organisations
- Bank fraud scams
- Car sale scams
- Business, commerical or corporate fraud, such as the payment of fake invoices or investment scams
- Financial fraud, such as investment scams where fake opportunities are advertised with high gains
- Romance fraud, such as scams on social media or dating sites, like sextortion
- Identity fraud, such as where your complete identity has been defrauded and credit taken out in your name
- Advanced fee scams, such as cases where people are asked to pay upfront for items or services
- Cryptocurrency fraud and crypto scams
- Recruitment fraud and job scams, where victims are asked to make upfront or ongoing payments to access work
- Purchase scams, such as where you're deceived into authorising payments
- Timeshare fraud and scams
If you can’t see your case described above, don’t worry. There’s a good chance we still may be able to help. Click the buttons below to speak with us today.
How Can You Recover My Money?
Financial Complaints
We raise the issue with your bank, providing them with evidence and, if necessary, escalating the matter further if they fail to take the matter seriosuly
Legal Proceedings
If the financial institution responsible doesn’t wish to negotiate or entertain the case, we can issue legal proceedings to recovery the money lost
Forensic Analysis
Working with some of the leading forensic accountants, we can identify where your money has gone, where it has been transferred to, regardless of location
Crypto Fraud Scams
Bank Fraud Scams
- Phishing emails, such as those impersonating your bank
- Fraudulent investment opportunities promising unrealistic returns. Head here to read our dedicated guide on investment scams
- Impersonation scams where criminals pose as trusted figures like bank officials or the police. They could pretend to be anyone from a Santander customer service member to a Lloyds Bank fraud specialist.
| Bank | Number of Customers |
|---|---|
| Atom Bank | Data not specified |
| Bank of Scotland plc | Data not specified |
| Barclays | Approximately 48 million globally |
| Binance | Data not specified |
| Cahoot | Data not specified |
| Chase | 2.5 million in the UK as of 2025 |
| Clydesdale Bank | Data not specified |
| Co-Op Bank | Data not specified |
| eToro | Data not specified |
| First Direct | Aims to reach 3 million by 2026 |
| Halifax | Data not specified |
| HSBC Holdings | Data not specified |
| Lloyds Banking Group | Around 30 million |
| M&S Bank | Data not specified |
| Metro Bank | Data not specified |
| Monzo | Over 9.3 million |
| Nationwide Building Society | Data not specified |
| NatWest Group | Over 7.5 million personal customers |
| PayPal | Data not specified |
| Post Office Money | Data not specified |
| Revolut | 50 million globally as of 2024 |
| Santander UK | Part of 165 million globally |
| Starling Bank | Data not specified |
| Tesco Bank | Data not specified |
| TSB | Data not specified |
| Ulster Bank | Data not specified |
| Virgin Money | Data not specified |
| Western Union | Data not specified |
| Wise | Data not specified |
Car Sale Scams
At Capital Refund House, we are all too familiar with the distress caused by car sale scams. These scams target individuals looking to buy or sell vehicles, often through online marketplaces or classified ads. Criminals use deceptive tactics to exploit their victims, leading to financial loss and frustration.
A common scam involves fake sellers advertising vehicles at attractive prices. Once interest is shown, they demand upfront payments for deposits, delivery fees, or holding the car, but the vehicle never materialises.
On the other hand, fraudulent buyers might use fake payment confirmations or stolen cheques to ‘pay’ for a car, leaving the seller empty-handed.
To protect yourself, always meet in person, verify the vehicle’s details with a history check, and never send money without seeing the car. If you suspect fraud, report it immediately.
Our recovery service specialises in helping victims trace funds and take legal action to recover losses. Get in touch today to see if we can help.
Romance Scams
Romance scams are a form of fraud where criminals exploit people’s emotions by pretending to form genuine relationships, often online, to manipulate them into sending money or personal information.
These scams typically occur on dating websites, apps, or social media platforms, where scammers create convincing profiles to build trust and emotional connections with their targets.
Once trust is established, they invent reasons to ask for money, such as claiming they need funds for medical emergencies, travel expenses, or business problems. For example, a scammer might pose as a soldier stationed abroad, claiming they need money to return home. Others may pretend to be entrepreneurs with sudden financial troubles.
If you’ve lost money in a romance scam, you may be able to recover it. Get in touch with us today to see if we can help
Visa and Immigration Fraud
Visa and immigration fraud occurs when individuals or organisations manipulate the UK immigration system for personal gain—often through forged documents, false claims, or misrepresentation. A particularly concerning example is the exploitation of overseas care workers under the UK’s care visa scheme, as reported by the BBC.
In one case, Arun George paid £15,000 to a care company in Bradford, Alchita Care, for a visa and job sponsorship for his wife.
Upon arrival, there was no meaningful work—only three days of unpaid training. The family had to return to India, financially devastated. Others from Kerala shared similar stories of being promised jobs and sponsorship in exchange for large payments, only to find no work or to be exploited under illegal terms. Some remain in the UK, struggling to survive.
At Capital Refund House, we view these incidents as serious cases of visa fraud.
Victims are lured with false job offers, coerced into paying illegal fees, and left without recourse. Our role is to support victims in reporting these crimes, recovering losses where possible, and pushing for accountability across borders.
This type of fraud not only violates immigration rules but destroys lives and livelihoods. Victims should report it promptly and seek expert legal advice.
Get in touch with us today to see if we can help.
Timeshare Fraud
At Capital Refund House, we understand the financial and emotional toll of timeshare fraud, a common scam targeting individuals through misleading or false promises related to holiday properties. Timeshare scams often involve criminals using high-pressure sales tactics to coerce victims into purchasing timeshares or maintenance agreements under deceptive terms.
For example, scammers may advertise luxury timeshares at unbeatable prices, only for the property to be non-existent or far below the promised standard. Another common tactic involves fraudsters posing as resale agents, claiming they can help sell unwanted timeshares for an upfront fee. Once paid, they disappear, leaving the victim out of pocket.
To protect yourself, always research companies thoroughly, avoid paying fees upfront, and be cautious of unsolicited offers. If you believe you’ve fallen victim to timeshare fraud, act quickly. Our recovery service specialises in helping victims trace lost funds and pursue legal action to reclaim their losses.
How Common Is Fraud In The UK?
| Category | Year Ending (YE) June 2024 | Year Ending (YE) June 2023 | Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Fraud Incidents (CSEW) | 3.6 million | 3.3 million | No significant change | Comparable to YE March 2017. |
| Consumer and Retail Fraud (CSEW) | 963,000 | Not specified | 19% increase | Significant rise compared to the previous year. |
| Fraud Involving a Loss (CSEW) | 2.7 million | Not specified | Not applicable | 1.9 million victims were fully reimbursed. |
| Fraud Offences Reported to Police/Action Fraud (CSEW) | Approx. 1 in 7 fraud offences | Not specified | Not applicable | Highlights underreporting of fraud cases. |
| Police Recorded Fraud (Overall) | 1.3 million | Not specified | 11% increase | Rise influenced by UK Finance referrals. |
| Fraud Offences from UK Finance | 569,933 | 465,894 | 22% increase | Result of improved intelligence-sharing efforts with NFIB. |
| Fraud Offences from Action Fraud | 317,332 | 296,663 | 7% increase | Action Fraud data reflects slight growth in reported offences. |
| Fraud Offences from Cifas | 364,684 | 366,797 | 1% decrease | Marginal decline compared to the previous year. |
What To Do If You've Been Scammed
If you think you’ve been scammed it’s vital to take steps to secure your position. Here are some of our best pieces of advice:
- Speak with your bank – this is the first step and the most important. They’ll stop any further transactions and issue you with new payment cards. They can also help you change your PIN and monitor your account for any suspicious activity.
- Report what happened – It’s important to report the fraud to the authorities. The police operate the website Action Fraud (not to be confused with us) where you can log what happened. Their contact info is +1 (206) 609-6016 or visit www.actionfraud.org.uk. It’s also important to report the fraud to the business or platform involved, such as Amazon or PayPal.
- Check your credit rating – in cases of identity theft, it’s possible that scammers could impersonate you to take out credit in your name. You can use free services like Experian to monitor your rating. You can also request new ID documents from the Passport Office or DVLA.
- Gather evidence – if you want to try and recovery your money in a fraud claim, it’s vital to take screenshots and records of all emails, texts and communication with the fraudster, as well as evidence of their activities, like bank statements showing money leaving your account.
You can also seek legal advice from fraud recovery specialists like ourselves. If you’d like to get free advice on your case, please click the button below. You can also head here to read our dedicated guide on how to report fraud.
How Do You Protect Yourself From Fraud?
Protecting yourself from fraud requires vigilance and proactive measures.
The first step is to safeguard your personal information, such as bank details and passwords, by keeping them private and secure. Avoid sharing sensitive information over email or phone unless you’re certain of the recipient’s identity.
You should also regularly monitor your bank statements and credit reports to detect any unauthorised transactions or accounts.
When browsing the web online, use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls, especially those requesting urgent payments or personal data—these could be phishing scams. Verify the legitimacy of websites and emails by checking for secure connections (e.g., “https”) and known contact details.
Shred confidential documents before disposing of them and be wary of sharing personal details on social media.
Finally, it can help to educate yourself about common scams and report suspicious activity promptly to your bank, local authorities, or Action Fraud in the UK.
What Impact Can Fraud Have?
Fraud has significant and wide-ranging consequences for individuals, businesses, and society.
For individuals, financial losses can be devastating, especially when essential funds or savings are stolen. According to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, victims often experience severe emotional distress, including anxiety, loss of trust, and feelings of betrayal.
Businesses also face substantial risks, with the potential to lose significant funds, damage reputations, reduce customer confidence, and increase operational costs due to enhanced security measures and legal disputes. Employees and stakeholders may also feel the effects of intensified scrutiny and disrupted operations.
On a societal level, fraud undermines trust in financial systems and institutions, according to reports from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It strains public resources, as law enforcement agencies such as the City of London Police and regulators combat fraudulent activity. Large-scale fraud schemes can destabilise markets and disrupt economic stability.
Preventing fraud is crucial. Trusted organisations like Action Fraud, the FCA, and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommend raising awareness, adopting robust security measures, and fostering a vigilant culture to combat these far-reaching impacts.
Get Help From Experts In Fraud Recovery
If you’re looking for support in getting back the money that you lost or was stolen, then we can help.
Our team boast significant experience in a wide range of fraud claims. This area of law is still growing, and that means not many people can help.
Regardless of where you’re based in the country, we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find the answers to questions we often get asked about making a fraud claim
Do I Need To Report Fraud?
Yes, you should report fraud right away both to your bank and to the police. This will help prevent any further fraudulent activity from taking place.
Who Investigates Fraud After I Report It?
In the UK, fraud is investigated by several agencies, each playing a distinct role depending on the type and scale of the offence.
Action Fraud is the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, where individuals and businesses can report scams. Reports are assessed and passed to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), operated by the City of London Police, which leads on national fraud investigations.
More complex or high-value cases may be taken up by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), especially where there is serious or organised corporate fraud.
UK Finance, Cifas, and individual banks also help identify fraud patterns and share intelligence with police. Local police forces may investigate if the fraud falls within their jurisdiction. These bodies work together to tackle fraud through intelligence sharing, enforcement, and prevention efforts.
If you’re a victim, it’s important to report the crime promptly via Action Fraud.
How Can I Check If I've Been Defrauded?
One of the first steps is to check your bank account for any suspicious activity. You can also monitor your credit ratings and reports for signs of anything unusual. You can also check online to see if your personal information has been compromised in the likes of a data breach.
Do I Need To Speak With The Police?
Yes, you should report what happened to the police. They receive these reports through their official Action Fraud website (which is different from this website).
What Role Does Action Fraud UK Play?
Action Fraud UK is the main body to report cases of fraud to. It is operated by the police and they can provide you with advice on what to do if you’ve been the victim of fraud. They cannot help you recover money lost in scams or fraud. To learn more about how to report fraud, see our guide here.
Can I Make A Fraud Claim?
If you’ve been a victim of fraud, you can and should make a fraud claim. Most UK banks have fraud protection policies and may offer refunds depending on how the fraud occurred. If the transaction was unauthorised (meaning you didn’t approve it), the bank is usually obligated to refund your money under the Payment Services Regulations 2017.
If you were tricked into sending money to a scammer (Authorised Push Payment fraud), the bank may still refund you under the Contingent Reimbursement Model (CRM) Code, though this depends on whether they believe you took reasonable precautions.
To increase your chances of success, report the fraud immediately, provide as much evidence as possible, and follow your bank’s claim process.
If your bank initially refuses, you can escalate the case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for an independent review.
You can also get help from a fraud recovery expert like ourselves. Get in touch today to see if we can help you.
What Does The Fraud Claims Process Involve?
The fraud claims process varies by bank, but generally follows these steps:
1️⃣ Report the fraud – Contact your bank as soon as possible. Explain what happened and provide any relevant details (such as emails, messages, or transaction references).
2️⃣ Bank investigation – The bank will review your claim, checking fraud alerts, transaction records, and whether warnings were issued before the payment.
3️⃣ Temporary refund (in some cases) – If your case is strong, the bank may credit your account while they investigate.
4️⃣ Final decision – The bank will approve or deny your claim based on their findings.
5️⃣ Appeal if necessary – If your claim is rejected, you can request a review, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman, or seek legal advice from specialist fraud lawyers like those we work with
Acting quickly and providing strong evidence can improve your chances of getting your money back.
How Long Does A Fraud Claim Take?
The time it takes to resolve a fraud claim depends on the type of fraud and the bank’s investigation process. Here’s some useful advice on timescales.
- Unauthorised transactions – If money was stolen from your account without your consent, banks usually refund within a few days.
- Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud – These cases are more complex and can take several weeks or months, depending on whether the bank believes you were misled into making the payment.
- Financial Ombudsman complaints – If you escalate a denied claim, the process can take several months.
Most banks aim to resolve fraud claims within 15 working days, but in complicated cases, it may take longer. Following up regularly with your bank can help speed up the process.
What If My Refund Request Is Denied?
If your bank refuses to refund you, don’t give up—there are still steps you can take:
1️⃣ Request a formal review – Ask your bank to reconsider their decision and provide any additional evidence you have.
2️⃣ Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) – If your bank still refuses, the FOS can independently assess whether they handled your claim fairly.
3️⃣ Seek legal advice – If the amount is significant, a fraud recovery expert like those we work with may help you challenge the bank’s decision through legal means.
4️⃣ Look into chargeback options – If you paid with a credit or debit card, you may be able to reverse the transaction through a chargeback or Section 75 claim.
Many people successfully challenge denied fraud claims, particularly if the bank failed to warn them about scam risks or did not investigate properly. Persistence is key to recovering your money. Get in touch today if you’d like help or free advice on your rights and options
What Is Wire Fraud?
Wire fraud is a criminal offence involving the use of electronic communication, such as phone, email, or internet, to defraud someone of money or assets.
It typically involves deception, such as fake investment schemes, phishing emails, or false invoices, to trick victims into transferring funds or revealing sensitive information.
Wire fraud is common in cross-border scams and cybercrime, making it a focus for fraud investigators. In the UK, such activities may fall under the Fraud Act 2006. Victims of wire fraud should report the incident to Action Fraud and their bank immediately to prevent further loss and seek recovery.
What Is APP Fraud?
Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud occurs when a victim is tricked into willingly transferring money to a fraudster’s account.
Commonly executed via phishing emails, fake invoices, or impersonation, APP fraud often involves criminals posing as legitimate businesses, government agencies, or trusted contacts.
What Is Tax Fraud?
Tax fraud involves deliberately providing false information to evade paying the correct amount of tax. This can include underreporting income, inflating expenses, hiding assets, or failing to declare earnings.
In the UK, tax fraud is a serious offence investigated by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Penalties can include fines, interest on unpaid taxes, and even criminal prosecution.
Examples include VAT fraud, offshore tax evasion, and employment tax fraud. To report suspected tax fraud, individuals can contact HMRC anonymously. For businesses, seeking professional advice on compliance is essential to avoid inadvertent tax errors or disputes.
What Is Benefit Fraud?
Benefit fraud occurs when someone deliberately provides false information or withholds details to claim benefits they are not entitled to.
Common examples include failing to report changes in income, housing arrangements, or employment status. In the UK, benefit fraud is investigated by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Suspected fraud may result in repayments, fines, or prosecution. Some claims may be honest mistakes, so providing accurate information and updating changes promptly is critical.
What Is Identity Fraud?
Identity fraud involves the misuse of someone’s personal information, such as name, address, or bank details, to commit financial crimes.
Fraudsters may use stolen identities to open accounts, take out loans, or make fraudulent purchases. This type of fraud often results from data breaches, phishing scams, or theft of physical documents. They can originate in lots of different ways, from fake emails to platforms like TikTok and Vinted
In the UK, victims should report identity fraud to their bank, Action Fraud, and credit reference agencies like Experian to prevent further misuse.
Preventative steps include safeguarding sensitive documents, using strong passwords, and monitoring credit reports regularly to detect unauthorised activities.