STOP, HANG UP, CALL 159 A simple way to help beat bank scams
If you ever receive a call out of the blue about your bank account, it’s important to know how to stay safe. Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but there’s a simple step anyone can take - just remember 159.
What is 159? 159 is a special phone number that quickly connects you straight to your bank if you think you might be getting scammed. It’s designed to be easy to remember, just like 101 for the police or 111 for the NHS. If someone is pressuring you to hand over money or personal details, stop what you’re doing, hang up the call, and dial 159.
How does it work? When you call 159, you’ll be safely redirected to your own bank’s customer service team. All you’ll need to do is say the name of your bank when prompted and you will be automatically connected. More than 20 major banks and building societies use the service, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, and more. Most big telephone providers support 159, so it’s available to almost everyone in the UK. Why should you use it? Scammers rely on catching you off guard and keeping you talking. Calling 159 breaks the scam “journey” at the most critical moment, allowing you to check if the real bank is trying to contact you, before you share any sensitive details or make a payment. Over a million people have already used 159 to protect themselves from fraud.
What does it cost? The cost of calling 159 is usually the same as a national rate call. Check with your phone provider to confirm. The bottom line If you get a suspicious or unexpected call about your bank, always STOP, hang up, and CALL 159 to speak with your real bank safely. Share this advice with friends, family, and colleagues to help break the scam cycle and keep everyone’s money safe.
COUNTER FRAUD | SCRUTTON BLAND | 9
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