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Fraud awareness and advice

Frequently asked questions, tips and advice about suspected fraudulent transactions on your Funding Circle business credit card.

While you may be savvy to some of the tactics used by fraudsters, they are smarter and more innovative than ever. That’s why it’s crucial to stay alert to possible scams when making business payments - whether by card or cash transfer

To help keep you safe, we’ve rounded up some of the most creative ploys used by fraudsters and tips on avoiding them.

What to watch out for

Phishing - the fraudster poses as a legitimate customer or business and tricks you via email into sending them money or sharing sensitive information such as credit card numbers or bank details. They may also do it by phone or text, known as Vishing (Voice Phishing) or Smishing (SMS phishing) respectively.


Invoice fraud - the fraudster poses as a supplier or contact and sends a fake bill or invoice requesting urgent payment. They may ask for a new transaction to be set up or for existing payment details to be changed. The fraud is often only discovered when the real company chases the outstanding amount.


Business email compromise - the fraudster gains access to a supplier or client's email account, pose as a trusted contact and deceive you into transferring funds into a fraudulent bank account or sharing sensitive information.


Purchase scams - the fraudster lists fake or non-existent items for sale on social media and websites. Their adverts look genuine, and someone you know could share or repost one without realising it’s a scam.


Safe account scams - the fraudster contacts you by phone, claiming to be from your bank and saying your account has been compromised. They then encourage you to transfer your money into a ‘safe account’ they control.

How to stay safe

  • When making a payment, always double-check bank details directly with the company by phone or in person, and only use publicly available phone numbers, like the one listed on their official website.
  • Always use official contact details when communicating with companies online. Criminals can manipulate or alter emails to appear legitimate and trick you into sharing sensitive information. Before handing over any details, check the company’s official website or documentation.
  • When making a payment to an account for the first time, it’s a good idea to send a small amount first and check if the company has received it. Once you’re confident the account details are correct, you can send the rest of the money.
  • Fraudsters will often pressure you. Don’t feel rushed into making a payment. If you’re ever concerned about a request for money or information, take some time to think it through. Carry out checks to make sure it’s genuine.
  • Contact your payment provider straightaway if you think you’ve been a victim of a scam.
Person on a headset
Think stop, challenge, protect

STOP and think before sending money or information


CHALLENGE any requests you’re not comfortable with. It’s ok to say no.


PROTECT yourself by contacting your payment company immediately and report it to Action Fraud.


If you still have questions about scams, drop us a message and one of our team will be able to get back to you.

Two business owners smiling at the camera
How do I report fraudulent transactions?

If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account, please call our Operations team on 0203 308 9693 as soon as possible for assistance.


Our operating hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm and Friday 9am to 4:30pm.

For more tips and advice visit the Take Five to Stop Fraud website by clicking here

APP fraud scams consumer rights and obligations

An Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam occurs when a fraudster tricks a person into transferring money to them, often by posing as a legitimate business or individual.

The APP Scam Reimbursement Scheme has been introduced to protect UK consumers who fall victim to these scams, while encouraging businesses and customers to be vigilant against fraud. Here's what you get under the new scheme:

1 - Right to Reimbursement: Consumers who have been scammed through an APP fraud are generally entitled to a refund from their payment service provider (PSP), provided they took appropriate care in making the payment.


2 - Responsibility of Payment Companies: Payment service providers must assess whether the consumer took reasonable steps to check the legitimacy of the payment. If the consumer acted appropriately, the payment service provider should offer a refund.


3 - Timely Response: Payment service providers are required to respond quickly to reports of APP scams and must handle claims for reimbursement fairly and promptly.


4 - Consumer Obligations: Consumers are expected to follow the payment service providers advice to avoid fraud, such as checking for warnings about potential scams during the payment process.


5 - Exclusions: Reimbursement may be denied if the consumer was grossly negligent or ignored clear warnings about potential fraud.

Steps to take if you've fall victim to a scam

If you fall victim to an APP scam, there are steps you should take to help us effectively assess your claim and determine your eligibility for reimbursement.

Funding Circle customer
  1. 1
    Report the scam promptly

    Please report the scam to us as soon as possible. Prompt reporting is crucial for both the potential recovery of your funds and the claim process. If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account, please call our Operations team on 0203 308 9693 as soon as possible for assistance. Our operating hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm and Friday 9am to 4:30pm.

  2. 2
    Provide accurate information

    You will need to provide us with all relevant details about the scam, including how you were deceived, the amount transferred, and any communications you had with the scammer.

  3. 3
    Cooperate with the investigation

    It’s important that you cooperate with us during the investigation. This may include providing additional documentation as requested and reporting the crime to the police.

  4. 4
    Demonstrate reasonable care

    When making your claim, you must show that you took reasonable steps to verify the legitimacy of the payment. This includes following any warnings or advice given during the payment process.

  5. 5
    Follow up on the claim

    Please stay in touch with us to monitor the progress of your claim and provide any further information as needed.

Additional questions on FlexiPay

If you still have more questions on FlexiPay, please visit our additional FAQs page below.

Additional FlexiPay FAQs

More information about support with payments

Visit our support page to find out more about the support we can offer

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