159: The Simple Way to Stay Safe from Bank Scams
How to protect yourself from fraud and contact your bank safely using 159.
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using phone calls, text messages and emails to trick people into handing over personal information or making payments. Knowing how to respond when something doesn't feel right can make all the difference.
That’s where 159 comes in – a simple, memorable telephone number designed to help you contact your bank safely and securely if you suspect someone is trying to scam you.
In this blog, we explain how 159 works, who can use it and why sharing this important information with friends, family and loved ones could help protect them from fraud.
How Does 159 Work?
159 works in a similar way to 101 for the police or 111 for the NHS. It is a telephone number that connects you directly to your bank, helping you check whether a suspicious call or financial request is genuine.
If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be your bank, asking for money, passwords or personal details, follow these simple steps:
1. Stop
Take a moment. Don't rush into making a payment or sharing personal information.
2. Hang Up
End the call with the person who contacted you, even if they claim to be from your bank.
3. Call 159
Dial 159 yourself to connect safely with your bank through the service.
Remember: 159 will never call you. You should always make the call yourself.
By ending the suspicious conversation and contacting your bank directly, you can help break the scam before any personal information is shared or money is transferred.
What Does It Cost to Call 159?
The cost of calling 159 depends on your telephone provider. In many cases, the call may be charged at a national rate.
We recommend checking with your phone provider for details about the charges that may apply to your call.
Which Banks Can You Contact Through 159?
159 is available to customers of participating banks and financial service providers.
The participating brands include:
Bank of Ireland UK
Bank of Scotland
Barclays
Cater Allen Private Bank
Chase
Co-operative Bank
Danske Bank
First Direct
Halifax
HSBC
Lloyds
Metro Bank
Modulr
Monzo
Nationwide Building Society
NatWest
Revolut
Royal Bank of Scotland
Santander
Spring
Starling Bank
Tide
True Potential
TSB
Ulster Bank
Virgin Money
Zempler Bank
If your bank is listed above, 159 can provide a safe way to get in touch when you're concerned about a suspicious financial call.
Which Telephone Providers Support 159?
The following telephone companies are involved in the 159 service:
BT (including EE and Plusnet)
Gamma
O2 (including giffgaff)
Sky
Three
Vodafone
TalkTalk
Virgin Media
Availability may depend on your telephone provider, so check with them if you are unsure whether you can use the service.
Why Is 159 Important?
Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency, making you feel that you must act immediately to protect your money or bank account. They may pretend to be your bank, the police or another trusted organisation.
The 159 service helps you take back control of the situation.
Rather than continuing a conversation with someone who contacted you unexpectedly, you can hang up and make a fresh call to your bank.
This simple step can help prevent you from being pressured into:
Sharing personal or banking information.
Transferring money to a scammer.
Revealing security codes or passwords.
Making decisions under pressure.
If a call doesn't feel right, stop, hang up and call 159.
The Story Behind 159
159 was launched by Stop Scams UK in 2021 with the aim of providing a simple, memorable way for UK banking customers to contact their bank safely when they receive an unexpected or suspicious financial call.
The service was designed to interrupt the scam process at a crucial moment, helping customers speak directly to their bank before sharing information or authorising payments.
Since its launch, more than one million calls have been made to 159, highlighting the importance of having a trusted way to contact your bank when you need support.
Looking Towards the Future
The vision for 159 is to make it a universal telephone number available through all telephone providers, in a similar way to other familiar services such as 101, 111 and 999.
Expanding access could make it even easier for people across the UK to remember how to contact their bank safely when they suspect fraud.
Until then, it is important to check whether your bank and telephone provider support the service.
Help Protect Your Friends and Family from Scams
Fraud can affect anyone, but sharing simple safety advice with the people around you can help raise awareness.
Make sure your loved ones know what to do if they receive a suspicious call claiming to be from their bank.
Remember the Golden Rule
Stop. Hang Up. Call 159.
If a call seems suspicious, don't share personal details or make a payment. End the call and contact your bank directly using 159, if supported.
Share this blog with your friends, family and anyone who may benefit from knowing about 159. A few minutes of awareness could help someone avoid becoming a victim of a scam.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed
At Stairlifts Scotland Ltd, we understand the importance of safety, trust and looking after the people in our communities. Raising awareness of scams is one way we can help share useful information and encourage everyone to stay vigilant.
For more information about 159, visit the official website:
If you receive a suspicious call about your bank, remember: stop, hang up and call 159.