Call 159: the number that stops bank scams

If someone calls claiming to be from your bank and asks you to move money or share security details, hang up and call 159. The short number connects you safely to your own bank.

The service is run by Stop Scams UK, an industry group that brings together banks, telecoms firms and technology companies to fight fraud.

How it works

When you dial 159, you hear a menu of participating banks and are put through to the official fraud or customer service line of the one you choose. Because you dialled the number yourself, you know you are speaking to your real bank, not someone pretending to be from it.

The service works from most UK mobile and landline phones. Stop Scams UK says it now connects customers of more than 99 per cent of the UK's retail bank current accounts, and more than a million calls have been made to it since it launched.

Why it matters

Impersonation scams are among the most common kinds of fraud. Criminals can make their number appear to be the bank's, a trick known as spoofing, and they often know some details about their victim to sound convincing. They then claim the account is at risk and persuade the victim to move money to a so-called safe account, which they control.

Remember

• Your bank will never ask you to move money to a safe account.
• Your bank and the police will never ask for your full PIN or password.
• If a call feels wrong, hang up, wait a few minutes or use a different phone, and call 159.

Tell someone

Scammers often tell their victims not to speak to anyone, including family or bank staff. Talking to someone you trust before acting on any unexpected call is one of the best ways to stay safe.

If you have been scammed

Call your bank straight away on 159 or the number on the back of your card. Banks are required to refund most victims of authorised push payment scams, where people are tricked into sending money, as long as the claim is made in time. Report the crime to the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service online or on 0300 123 2040.