Start My Claim vs a solicitor vs Citizens Advice: scam refund help compared
You do not have to pay anyone to claim a scam refund. Claiming from your bank is free, and if the bank refuses, the Financial Ombudsman Service is free too. Paid help, from a claims firm, a solicitor or Start My Claim, is a choice about convenience and support, and the costs and what you get differ a lot.
Do I need to pay someone to get my scam money back?
No. Claiming from your bank is free, and so is the Financial Ombudsman Service. The Ombudsman says you do not need to pay anyone, such as a lawyer or claims management company, to represent you. Some people still choose paid help for convenience or complex cases.
How much can I get back from my bank after an APP scam?
Under the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) reimbursement rules for authorised push payment (APP) scams, the maximum per claim is £85,000, and the bank may deduct an excess of up to £100 unless you are vulnerable. You must report within 13 months of the payment.
What if my bank says no?
Ask for its final response in writing, then refer the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service within 6 months of that response. For complaints referred on or after 1 April 2026, the Ombudsman can award up to £455,000.
Is Start My Claim legal advice?
No. Start My Claim is not a law firm and does not give legal advice or represent you. It helps you prepare your own complaint. We charge a flat fee and never take a share of any refund.
Scam Refund · Compare your options
Start My Claim vs a solicitor vs Citizens Advice: scam refund help compared
What does each option do, and what does it cost?
When is a solicitor the better choice?
- you lost more than £85,000 and the bank will not pay the balance;
- the payment falls outside the scheme, for example an international transfer or a payment made before 7 October 2024, and the amount is large;
- you want to take court action against the people who received the money, or against a business involved;
- the bank says you were grossly negligent or complicit and you need advice on your position.
What Start My Claim does, and does not, do
Start My Claim helps you check whether the reimbursement rules apply, set out your timeline and evidence, and prepare your complaint to the bank and your referral to the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman Pack is £99 flat. We never take a percentage of what you recover.
It does not give legal advice, does not contact your bank for you and does not represent you. The Ombudsman decides your case, not us.
Questions people ask
PSR mandatory reimbursement
Escalating to the Ombudsman
How much can I get back?