Martin Lewis issues

To reduce the risk of falling victim to these “very sophisticated scams”, Martin urged people to never stay on the phone, and instead directed people to call the real bank via another phone.

Turning to Beth’s situation, Martin said: “There was an agreement – and it’s in place, the Voluntary Code of Practice – among the banks because of these push payment scams. So unless you have been grossly negligent or ignored what the bank’s told you, you should get your money back. But I’m hearing lots of feedback unfortunately, that that doesn’t always happen.”

Addressing Beth specially, who had been told by the bank she couldn’t get her money back, the Money Saving Expert told her to make a formal complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

“You don’t need a lawyer. Tell them what you told me. Explain what happened.”