Rise in Apple Pay Refund Fraud - What Jewellers Need to Know

Rise in Apple Pay Refund Fraud - What Jewellers Need to Know

04 Feb 2026

SaferGems is urging jewellers across the UK to be on high alert following a sharp rise in Apple Pay refund fraud, an emerging criminal tactic now affecting the wider retail sector, including jewellery stores.

Originally seen targeting large retail chains, this fraud method is now spreading rapidly, and intelligence suggests that independent jewellers are increasingly at risk. SaferGems, supported by founding sponsors National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and TH March and affiliate sponsors the Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) and UK Protection, is working closely with police forces to understand and disrupt this developing threat.

How the Fraud Works

Criminals are exploiting the ease and anonymity of Apple Pay to carry out a simple but highly effective scam:

1. Purchase: Offenders buy mid-value goods or foreign currency using Apple Pay, often with a card later found to be stolen or compromised.
2. Refund: They return to a different store location and request a refund, but to another card stored on their Apple Pay wallet.
3. Chargeback: When the legitimate cardholder discovers the fraudulent original purchase, they request a chargeback from their bank.

The result? Retailers lose both the goods and the refunded money, while offenders walk away with the proceeds.

Apple Pay makes this easier for offenders because staff cannot see the physical card, and switching between stored cards is seamless and fast.

National Spread and Active Offenders

SaferGems intelligence confirms this is now a nationwide issue, with offenders observed across multiple regions, including Manchester, Newcastle, York, Solihull, Liverpool, Leicester, Brierley Hill, and Stratford.

Images and descriptions of several offenders - believed to be operating in organised groups - are being circulated through secure intelligence channels. Jewellers should remain vigilant for individuals attempting returns on Apple Pay transactions, especially when:

• Different cards are used for purchase and refund
• Refunds are requested far from the original point of sale
• Customers appear unwilling or unable to provide standard identity checks

What Jewellers Should Do Now

To reduce vulnerability, SaferGems recommends the following immediate actions:

• Request proof of identity and address for any Apple Pay returns.
• Limit the number of payment attempts permitted via Apple Pay.
• Ask to see evidence of the original transaction from the customer's online banking.
• Consider temporary signage stating that Apple Pay refunds or transactions cannot be processed if suspicious patterns emerge.
• Jewellers are also encouraged to be alert to customers wearing similar clothing or carrying accessories similar to those shown in the intelligence images, including distinctive backpacks, caps, and eyewear.

Report Anything Suspicious

SaferGems emphasises that this is a fast-evolving crime type, and the organisation is actively collecting intelligence.
If your store has experienced similar incidents - whether successful or attempted - you are urged to report them.

Contact:

[email protected] Report immediately to your local police force

Source: SaferGems