Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, has shared a simple three-digit number that can help Brits avoid bank scams. In a post shared on TikTok, he explained exactly what it does and why it exists.
How the number works
Martin said: "All you have to do quite simply is dial 159 and you will be put through to your bank." The number was set up specifically as an anti-scam and anti-fraud initiative, giving people a reliable way to reach their bank without having to search for a number that could potentially lead them to a fraudulent site or caller.
Martin explained the most important scenario where 159 becomes particularly valuable. "If you get a call from your bank, you're not sure it's really them, they're asking you for personal details, you're a little bit worried — then just politely say I'm gonna call you back through your switchboard and then dial 159 and you know you're going to get through to a legitimate number," he said.
Which banks are covered
The number currently covers 21 banking and building society brands, which Martin said represents 99% of the UK market. He read out the full list of banks covered: Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Chase, Co-op Bank, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, Metro Bank, Monzo, Nationwide Building Society, NatWest, Revolut, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, Sterling, TSB, Ulster Bank and Virgin Money. Martin added that he would urge smaller banks not yet on the list to sign up and close the remaining gap.
Why fraud calls are rising
Fraud and scam calls targeting bank customers have risen sharply in recent years, with criminals becoming increasingly convincing in how they impersonate legitimate bank staff. Having a single number to fall back on removes the risk of being misled into calling a fake number provided by a scammer.
A spokesperson for financial assistance experts Vettory added: "It is becoming increasingly difficult to spot fake callers who already have some of your details and use them to appear legitimate. Simply hang up, dial 159 and confirm directly with your bank before handing over anything important. It costs nothing, takes seconds to dial and is something every bank customer should know about."
159 is free to dial, already covers almost the entire UK banking market and is one of the simplest tools available for anyone wanting to protect themselves from bank fraud.
