In the first half of 2024, nearly 5,000 cases of internet banking fraud were reported, marking one of the highest quarterly levels of fraud and scam complaints on record. With scams becoming more sophisticated and widespread, many victims are left wondering: Will Santander refund scammed money?
In this article, we’ll explain Santander’s policy on scams, the conditions under which they may refund stolen funds, and what you can do if your claim is unsuccessful.
What is Santander’s Policy on Scams?
Santander’s official website outlines its clear approach to fraud prevention and refunds. The bank aims to protect customers while maintaining fair guidelines for refund eligibility.
Santander will refund eligible claims up to a maximum of £85,000, but only if certain conditions are met:
- Payments are made via Faster Payments or CHAPS in the UK.
- The funds were transferred from a personal bank account, micro-enterprise, or certain charities.
- Claims must be raised within 13 months of the final payment made to the fraudster as part of the same scam.
So, Will Santander Refund My Scammed Money?
Santander may refund your scammed money, but it depends on the circumstances of the fraud and whether you meet their eligibility criteria.
If you acted promptly and reasonably, and the scam meets Santander’s guidelines, there’s a good chance you’ll receive a refund. However, there are cases where customers are denied a refund, particularly if Santander determines that the customer could have identified the scam earlier. If your refund is denied by Santander, read on for our advice on recovering your money.
For example, a recent update from the BBC highlighted that banks are becoming stricter with refunds where customers appear to have ignored scam warnings or failed to verify payments. This means victims must show they acted responsibly when making payments.
If your claim is rejected, you are entitled to appeal the decision, escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), or seek legal advice.
What Advice Does Santander Give to Stay Protected from Scams?
Santander regularly advises customers to stay vigilant and follow these steps to protect themselves from scams:
- Stop and Think – Pause before making payments or sharing personal information.
- Verify Requests – If someone contacts you claiming to be from your bank, verify their identity by calling the official number on your bank card.
- Use Strong Passwords – Make sure your online banking passwords are unique and secure.
- Enable Alerts – Set up text or email alerts for suspicious account activity.
- Watch out for Scammers’ Tricks. Be wary of unexpected requests for money, urgent messages, or deals that seem too good to be true.
A recent government update has also introduced new powers for banks to combat fraud. These include stronger regulations around refund processes and prevention strategies, helping victims receive fairer outcomes.
What If Santander Won’t Refund Me?
If Santander refuses to refund your money, don’t give up. There are several steps you can take:
Review Their Decision – Ask Santander for a detailed explanation of their decision.
Seek Legal Advice – If you’re still unable to recover your funds, legal experts like CEL Solicitors can help you fight for your money.
Many scam victims are unaware of their rights, and banks do not always act fairly during investigations. That’s where professional legal support can make a difference.
How to Make a Bank Fraud Claim Against Santander
If you’ve been scammed and Santander has refused your refund, CEL Solicitors can assist you in reclaiming your money. In a recent case, our fraud and scam recovery experts were able to recover nearly £12,000 of stolen money for a gentleman in North Wales.
At CEL Solicitors, we offer:
- A free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
- A no-win, no-fee service—so you won’t pay us unless we win your claim.
Tell CEL today by calling 0370 218 8577 or begin your claim online. We’ll guide you through the process and fight to recover your scammed funds.
