Bank customers in the UK could soon see their payments delayed by up to three days as part of a new government crackdown on fraud. The Treasury has proposed new laws that would allow banks to pause suspicious transactions for up to 72 hours if there are reasonable grounds to suspect fraudulent activity.

Banks like Natwest, Halifax, Barclays, Nationwide and Santander will be able to keep hold of your money for up to four days after you’ve tried to pay it to someone thanks to new government powers set to be introduced in October.

New laws will extend the time that suspicious payments can be delayed by 72 hours in a bid to protect people from fraud.