Over £140 million recovered
The total amount we got back from banks for our clients.
Lost money to a
Impersonation Scam?
We help victims of Impersonation Scams recover their money.
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What to do if you’ve lost money
in a Impersonation Scam
Fraudsters may pretend to be your bank, a government body, a trusted company or someone you know. They can use convincing phone numbers, emails or websites. If you sent money, contact your bank through a verified channel and keep messages, call details and payment records.
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Why choose Refundee to recover
your funds?
FCA regulated
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for claims management.
Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot
The UK’s best-rated fraud recovery specialist, from hundreds of verified reviews.
Helped over 6,000 clients
From single bank transfers to group actions with hundreds of victims.
How to spot an impersonation scam
Impersonation scams happen when someone pretends to be a trusted organisation or person to persuade you to share information or transfer money. Be cautious of unexpected contact, urgent requests and instructions to move money to a “safe” account.
It's free to find out if we can help
We can review your situation and explain possible next steps. There is no obligation to enquire.
Start your caseYou receive an unexpected call, text or email
A message may appear to come from your bank, a delivery company, a government department or a familiar business. Contact the organisation using a number or website you find independently.
The caller says your account is at risk
Fraudsters often create panic and insist that you act immediately. A genuine organisation should not pressure you into making a hurried transfer to a new account.
You are asked to move money to a “safe” account
Banks do not ask customers to protect their money by transferring it to an account controlled by an unknown person. Pause and speak to your bank through its official channel.
The caller asks for passwords or security codes
Never share a PIN, password, one-time passcode or banking approval with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
The message or website looks almost genuine
Scammers may copy logos, email formats and phone numbers. Check the sender and web address carefully and do not use links or numbers supplied in a suspicious message.
Recent impersonation scam recoveries
See all →
Impersonation ScamRefundee recovers £26,000 for client who fell victim to a Richard Branson impersonation scam
An online advert appeared to feature a trusted public figure and directed the claimant to a fraudulent scheme.
Read the full case →
Impersonation ScamRefundee recovers £63,000 for celebrity impersonation scam victim
A misleading promotion used a public figure’s identity to attract payments.
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Impersonation ScamRefundee recovers £13,000 for HMRC impersonation scam victim
A fraudster claimed to represent a public authority and pressured the victim to pay.
Read the full case →Impersonation Scam FAQs
What is an example of impersonation fraud?
A fraudster may pretend to be a bank, government department, police officer, company employee or someone you know to persuade you to share information or send money.
What are the common celebrities scammers impersonate?
Scammers may misuse the names and images of public figures to advertise fake investments or endorsements. A celebrity image is not proof that an offer is genuine.
Can I get my money back after an impersonation scam?
Possibilities depend on how you paid, the circumstances and the evidence. Contact your bank promptly and keep records of the incident.
Can Refundee help me recover my lost funds?
We can review your circumstances and explain whether we may be able to assist with the available complaint options.
How does Refundee recover impersonation scam losses?
We review the information, explain the complaint process and where appropriate help you understand options involving the bank and Financial Ombudsman Service.
How long does the fund recovery process usually take?
Timeframes vary with the complexity of the case, the information available and the response from relevant providers.
Latest impersonation scam articles
All articles →What Is Phishing? Types, Examples and How To Stay Safe
Learn how phishing messages are used to steal login details and personal information.
Read more →HMRC Scams: How to Spot and Report Fake Tax Messages
Recognise common tax-message warning signs and learn how to verify official contact.
Read more →Scammers Are Using AI to Target Victims: What You Need to Know
Understand how convincing messages and manipulated media may be used in scams.
Read more →Refundee Identifies Celebrity “Face-swap” Impersonation Scams
Learn how fake endorsements and altered images may be used to promote fraudulent offers.
Read more →HMRC Scams Are Out There. Is It a Real Tax Warning or Is It a Fraudster?
Tips for checking whether a message about tax or payment is genuine.
Read more →Impersonation Fraud: How It Works and What To Do If You’ve Paid
What to do after discovering a fraudster has impersonated a trusted organisation.
Read more →