159 is a pilot scheme set up by banks and telephone companies who want to fight fraud. The hotline will enable you to check whether a call from your bank is genuine, and is designed to disrupt scammers who pose as banks and trick people into sending them money.
Call 159 if:
- Someone contacts you saying they are from your bank – even if they are not suspicious
- You receive a call asking you to transfer money or make a payment – even if it seems genuine
- You receive a call about a financial or banking matter that seems suspicious
159 will never call you, but 159 will get you through to your bank. Almost all UK mobiles and landlines are able to use 159, and the call will cost the same as a national rate call which is usually part of the included minutes in most phone tariffs.
Not all banks are part of the pilot scheme but the following banks are, and these cover over 70% of UK primary current account holders. More banks are expected to join as the pilot progresses, with the hope that it will eventually become a universal number.
- Barclays
- Lloyds (including Halifax and Bank of Scotland)
- NatWest (including Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank)
- Santander
- Starling Bank
If your bank is not part of the pilot scheme or if 159 is not working for any reason, make contact with them using a known telephone number which can be found on your bank card or on their official website.
Full information can be found at: https://stopscamsuk.org.uk/159
For further fraud prevention advice and assistance contact your Anti-Crime Specialist or Contact Us for more information on the services we offer.