One bank which has emerged as a strong force in the UK finance industry over the past few years is Revolut, with an estimate 10-12million customers in the UK as of 2025, and has just been granted its full banking license.
However, with online scams also on the rise, scammers are encouraging customers to use banks like Revolut to send large sums of money into cryptocurrency, often bypassing the necessary security/safety checks. This begs the question: How safe is Revolut in the UK? This article explores the safety features of Revolut, common online scams and also the important question: can you recover your funds lost to a Revolut scam?
TLDR Summary
- Revolut is generally safe from hacking, but its fraud prevention measures, such as generic questionnaires and broad warnings, often fail to catch sophisticated scams before payments are processed.
- The most common scams targeting Revolut users include investment scams (fake trading platforms), task scams (bogus remote work schemes), and bank impersonation scams, all of which manipulate victims into voluntarily transferring funds.
- Most Revolut scams are authorised push payment (APP) scams, meaning the victim authorises the transaction themselves, which makes recovery more difficult as banks argue the customer is responsible for the loss.
- Revolut has received the highest number of new fraud complaints among UK banks in the first eight months of 2025, suggesting its customers face a greater risk of falling victim to scams than those at traditional banks.
- Even if Revolut rejects a refund claim following its own investigation, victims may still have avenues for recovery – WRS specialises in challenging these outcomes and securing successful results for clients.
Is Revolut Safe in the UK?
As mentioned, scammers often encourage users to transfer funds through Revolut, as payments are likely to go through with fewer questions. As a general rule, banks are expected to process payments in accordance with their customer’s instructions. There are some instances where Revolut is not expected to take the consumer’s authorisation instruction at face value and should perform adequate checks before processing a payment.
Revolut does use some security checks before customers make high-value/cryptocurrency payments. The most basic form of this is approving the payment in the app, to ensure it is, in fact, the account user making the transaction. However, Revolut is expected to go further than this when it comes to unusual payments in size/nature.
A questionnaire followed by a tailored warning is often displayed, asking the customer the reason for the payment before displaying a fraud warning related to that reason. This is problematic, however, as the warnings/ options for the reason for the payment are often broad and fail to identify the exact risk. Several reasons could also be seen as correct, such as the “paying myself option” is technically true when sending funds to a cryptocurrency wallet in your own name.
The best method which Revolut can use is an in-app chat/ phone call with a genuine person who can identify the risk more accurately and provide a more tailored warning to the customer. This is used less often; however, we see that many payments are processed without a human intervening.
Whilst Revolut is generally considered safe from hacking attempts, etc., phishing scams are increasingly common among users of Revolut, leading to accounts being drained and funds being lost. This is even more damaging as users are keeping their savings in Revolut, leading to larger amounts of funds being targeted.
Common Revolut Scams in the UK
At Wealth Recovery Solicitors, we see a range of scams involving money sent directly or indirectly through Revolut accounts.
In most cases, criminals do not hack Revolut itself. Instead, they exploit trust, urgency or confusion to persuade victims to make payments.
Recognising these scams early can help prevent serious financial loss.
| Scam Type | How It Works | Main Warning Sign |
| Authorised Push Payment Scams | Victims are persuaded to send money themselves. | Urgent instructions to transfer funds quickly. |
| Fake Online Shop Scams | Victims pay for goods that never arrive. | Prices that seem too good to be true. |
| Crypto Investment Scams | Victims send money to fake trading platforms or crypto wallets. | Promised returns or pressure to invest more. |
| Messaging App Scams | Fraudsters approach victims through WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram or LinkedIn. | Requests to move money or continue privately. |
Authorised Push Payment Scams
Authorised push payment scams, also known as APP scams, happen when victims are tricked into sending money themselves.
When people think of online scams, they often imagine fraudsters stealing directly from an account. However, many scams involve the victim authorising the payment after being deceived.
Examples include bank impersonation scams, fake investment opportunities, urgent payment requests and safe account scams.
In a bank impersonation scam, fraudsters may call pretending to be from a bank. They may claim that the victim’s account has been compromised and instruct them to move money to a “safe account”.
The scammer may apply pressure, create urgency and make the situation feel like an emergency. Once the money is sent, the scammer disappears.
Recovery can be more difficult when the payment was authorised. Banks and digital banking platforms may argue that the customer made the payment themselves.
However, this does not always mean there is no route to recovery. The circumstances of the scam, the warnings shown, and the response from Revolut may all be relevant.
Fake Online Shop Scams
Fake online shop scams, sometimes called non-delivery scams, occur when criminals create convincing websites or listings to trick consumers into paying for goods that never arrive.
These fraudulent stores may appear through social media adverts, search engine results or marketplace listings.
The websites often look legitimate. They may use stolen brand logos, professional product images and fake reviews.
Victims may pay using a Revolut card and receive order confirmations or fake tracking details. This creates the impression of a real transaction.
After payment is made, the seller may stop responding, delay delivery, or disappear entirely.
Because the payment is processed like a normal online purchase, victims may not immediately realise they have been defrauded. In these cases, a chargeback may need to be raised.
Always check reviews, website details and contact information before buying from an unfamiliar merchant. Be especially cautious where the price appears too good to be true.
Crypto Investment Scams
Crypto investment scams are among the most common scam types we see.
Victims may see an advert on social media for an investment opportunity. These adverts may falsely use the names or images of well-known people to appear more credible.
The victim is then assigned an “account manager” who talks them through the process. They may be shown a fake trading platform where their investment appears to be growing.
In some cases, the victim is allowed to withdraw a small amount at first. This is designed to build trust and encourage further investment.
When the victim later tries to withdraw a larger amount, they may be told to pay extra fees, taxes or verification costs. These payments continue, but the victim never receives the supposed profits.
Revolut may be used to send money to cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets or accounts linked to the scam. Once cryptocurrency is moved, recovery can become significantly harder.
Before investing, always check the FCA register and verify that the firm is authorised. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed returns or asking you to act quickly.
Messaging App Scams
Messaging app scams often begin on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, LinkedIn or other social platforms. Fraudsters may pretend to be recruiters, financial advisers, friends, family members, or bank representatives. Task scams are a common example. A victim may be offered remote work and told they will earn commission for completing tasks.
At first, the victim may be able to withdraw a small amount. Later, they may be asked to pay into the platform to unlock higher-value tasks or increased commission. The victim continues to pay, but is eventually unable to withdraw their funds. Messaging app scams may also involve impersonation. A fraudster may pretend to be someone the victim trusts and ask for an urgent transfer through Revolut.
A common warning sign is being moved away from an official platform and pressured to continue the conversation privately. Never pay money to secure a job, unlock commission, or verify an account. Be cautious of anyone who asks you to send funds urgently through Revolut.
Can you recover money from Revolut?
Yes, it may be possible to recover money from Revolut. However, the process and likelihood of success depend on the circumstances of the transaction. If the payment was unauthorised, the situation may be treated differently from a payment that you approved yourself.
If the payment was authorised, Revolut may investigate whether warnings were shown, whether the payment looked unusual, and whether additional checks should have been carried out.
Timing is critical. The sooner you report the fraud, the better the chance of freezing, reversing or tracing the funds. Evidence is also important. Keep screenshots, messages, emails, call logs, payment details, account names, transaction references and any communication with Revolut.
A Wealth Recovery Solicitors manager says: “Many Revolut scam cases depend on whether the payment was authorised, what warnings were shown, and how quickly the customer acted after discovering the fraud. Keeping a clear record of messages, payments and complaints can make a significant difference when challenging a rejected claim.”
Report Revolut Fraud Immediately
If you have been scammed on Revolut, report the transaction as soon as possible.
You should contact Revolut through the in-app chat or support tools and explain that the payment relates to fraud.
You should also freeze any affected cards, change your security details and stop communicating with the scammer.
If you believe the fraudster may have access to your device, stop using that device for banking until it has been checked.
It is also worth reading our guide on the steps to take after being scammed so you can act quickly and avoid further loss.
Request a Revolut Chargeback
If the scam involved a Revolut card payment, a chargeback may be possible. This is most relevant where you paid for goods or services that were never delivered, or where a merchant acted fraudulently.
To support a chargeback, keep all order confirmations, receipts, tracking information, messages with the seller, website screenshots and proof that you tried to resolve the issue. Revolut may ask for this evidence when assessing the dispute.
Chargebacks can take time. The outcome depends on the evidence, payment method and scheme rules. If Revolut rejects your chargeback or refund request, you may still have other options.
Report the Scam to Authorities
UK scam victims should also report the matter to Action Fraud. This creates an official record and may support any complaint, dispute or recovery action.
In some cases, it may also be appropriate to contact the police. This is especially important if you have been threatened, impersonated, or repeatedly targeted. Keep a copy of your Action Fraud reference number and include it in your evidence file.
File a Formal Complaint
If Revolut rejects your refund request, you can submit a formal complaint. Your complaint should explain what happened, why you believe Revolut should have intervened, and what evidence supports your position.
Include screenshots, transaction details, complaint correspondence, warning screens, call notes and any Action Fraud reference. If Revolut issues a final response and you remain unhappy, you may be able to escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service. This must usually be done within six months of the final response.
If you need support, Wealth Recovery Solicitors can provide legal help for bank fraud cases.
Tips to Avoid Revolut Scams
To reduce the risk of Revolut scams, be cautious of urgent payment requests, unexpected investment opportunities and anyone asking you to move money to a “safe account”.
Always verify the person or company independently before sending money. Do not rely only on links, phone numbers or details provided by the person contacting you.
If your bank calls you unexpectedly, hang up and call back using the number listed on the official website. Before investing, check the FCA register and be cautious of promises of guaranteed returns.
If a job opportunity requires you to pay money before earning, it may be a task scam. You should also avoid clicking links from unknown senders and never share one-time passcodes, PINs, private keys or account security details.
Need Help Recovering Money After a Revolut Scam?
If you have fallen victim to a scam, you should contact Revolut as soon as possible to see whether the payment can be frozen, reversed or refunded. If Revolut cannot help, WRS may still be able to assist.
Our team can help assess your case and explain possible recovery routes. We can also help you understand whether there are grounds to challenge Revolut’s decision.
Contact us today to speak with scam recovery specialists or learn more about how we may help you recover money lost through Revolut fraud.
If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, contact us at Wealth Recovery Solicitors for a free consultation with our experienced team to determine the most effective route to recovering your funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Revolut safer than traditional UK banks?
Revolut is not necessarily less safe than traditional UK banks, and it offers many standard banking security features. However, digital banking platforms can still be targeted by scammers, especially where victims are pressured into sending money quickly. The main risk is often social engineering rather than direct hacking.
What should I do if Revolut rejects my refund?
If Revolut rejects your refund request, ask for the reasons in writing and consider submitting a formal complaint. If you remain unhappy with Revolut’s final response, you may be able to escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service. You may also wish to seek legal guidance if the loss is significant or the decision appears unfair.
Can scammers access my Revolut account remotely?
Yes, scammers may gain access if a victim downloads remote access software or shares screen access. This can allow them to view sensitive information, guide payments, or take control of activity on the device. Never give remote access to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, even if they claim to be from a bank or support team.
How long do Revolut scam investigations take?
Revolut scam investigations can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the case. Chargebacks, authorised payments and disputes involving other banks or merchants may take longer to assess. Keep records of all communication with Revolut while the investigation is ongoing.
Does Revolut protect savings from fraud?
Revolut provides security features designed to protect users, including in-app controls, transaction alerts and card freezing. However, these protections cannot prevent every scam, especially where the customer is manipulated into authorising a payment. Savings protection also depends on where the money is held and which product is being used. Customers should check their Revolut app and product terms to confirm whether FSCS protection applies.