Consumer champion Martin Lewis has issued a vital plea to every bank customer in the UK, urging them to memorise and use a simple three-digit number to protect themselves from sophisticated financial scams.
The Simple Code to Thwart Fraudsters
In a video shared on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, back in May, the founder of MoneySavingExpert highlighted the number 159 as a direct line to security. The initiative is designed to break the scammer's cycle at the most critical moment—when they have you on the phone.
Lewis explained the correct procedure: "If you get a call from your bank, you’re not sure it’s really them, they’re asking for personal details, you’re a little bit worried. Just say ‘I’m going to call you back via your switchboard,' (hang up) and dial 159." He emphasised that this is an anti-scam measure so customers can always get through to a legitimate number without having to look it up.
How the 159 Service Protects You
When you dial 159, you are not connected to a specific bank immediately. Instead, an operator will ask which bank you wish to speak with and then connect you directly to its genuine switchboard. This service is operated by StopScamsUK, a coalition of companies fighting fraud.
Crucially, the 159 number cannot be spoofed or impersonated by criminals. This means that if a scammer calls you pretending to be from your bank, they cannot manipulate the 159 number to make it appear in your caller ID, ensuring the call-back process remains secure.
The service boasts impressive coverage, currently including 21 major banking and building society brands. This accounts for approximately 99% of the UK market, featuring institutions such as:
- Bank of Scotland
- Barclays
- HSBC
- Halifax
- Lloyds Bank
- Monzo
- Nationwide
- NatWest
- Revolut
- Santander
A Proven Track Record in Fraud Prevention
Since its launch in 2021, the 159 line has proven to be a powerful tool in the fight against fraud. To date, more than 800,000 calls have been made to the number, potentially preventing a significant amount of financial loss for UK consumers.
The service has also expanded beyond banking. It can now connect you to several major telephone providers, including BT, O2, Sky, Three, Vodafone, TalkTalk, and Virgin, offering a broader shield against impersonation scams.
StopScamsUK describes the line as "a memorable, simple way to connect UK banking customers safely and securely with their bank," specifically engineered to interrupt the scam journey when a person is most vulnerable to manipulation. By promoting the 159 number, Martin Lewis continues his mission to empower the public with practical, life-changing financial advice.
