£20,000 Fraud Case Highlights 13-Month Reporting Rule Flaws

Sarah reported £20,000 stolen in a sophisticated investment fraud, discovering the scam 17 months later. Lloyds Bank initially only refunded her £1,000 due to a 13-month limit on reporting such scams. Following a review by BBC Radio 4's Money Box, the bank refunded the full amount. National Trading Standards is calling for a review of this 13-month rule to better protect consumers affected by fraudulent transactions. UK Finance notes that victims can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service if they miss this deadline.