All Brits have been urged to memorise three numbers that you should call whenever you suspect a scammer is calling you – as they could save your bank account from being drained
Memorising just three numbers could protect you from falling victim to a bank account scam. Nearly all of us will have encountered some form of scam phone call, email, or text message at some point. These fraudulent attempts are frequently designed to mimic legitimate businesses, typically employing alarming language to convince you that your account or banking details have been compromised.
More often than not, these scams will request that you enter your personal information, such as your bank details, to supposedly “secure your account”. In reality, however, the fraudsters are harvesting your details to break into your bank account and steal your money.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to safeguard yourself against scam callers and emails attempting to access your personal information. Remarkably, it only requires remembering three crucial numbers.
This invaluable tip was shared on TikTok by a woman named Caroline, who regularly posts guidance on everything from thrifting advice to money-saving strategies and how to stay alert when it comes to scammers.
What are the three numbers you need to know?
She revealed that if you receive a call from someone claiming to represent your bank, the wisest course of action is to immediately hang up and dial three numbers – 159.
The 159 number provides a secure way to contact your bank, and was established by Stop Scams UK to assist people in reaching their bank when they suspect they may have received a fraudulent call.
Dialling this number lets you confirm whether it genuinely was your bank calling, and can prevent you from unwittingly handing your details over to a fraudster.
Caroline explained: “Imagine you get a call from somebody claiming to be from your bank. They know your name, they sound professional, and they tell you that there’s suspicious activity on your account.
“Instead of panicking, hang up. Wait for the call to disconnect, that’s very important, and then dial these three numbers: 159. 159 is a genuine UK service that connects you directly to your bank’s customer service or fraud team. This ensures that you’re talking to real people, not muppet scammers.
“So if anybody calls you claiming to be from your bank and claiming there’s been suspicious activity on your account, or asking you to move money, or asking you to share security codes or personal information, stop, hang up, and call 159.”
How does the 159 service work?
The 159 number was launched by Stop Scams UK in 2021 to safely connect customers to their banks whenever they suspect they have been targeted by a scammer. When you ring the number, you’ll be prompted to select which bank you wish to contact.
You can do this by speaking aloud or using your phone’s keypad. You’ll then be put through to your bank’s customer service team, where you can request confirmation of whether the call you received was genuine or if there has been any unusual activity on your account.
Stop Scams UK revealed last year that more than one million calls had been placed using the anti-scam phone number since its introduction. The number costs the same as a national rate call, though Stop Scams UK is working to make it a universal number provided by all phone operators, similar to 111 or 999.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
According to the Money Saving Expert website, there are a few action points you can take if you believe you’ve been scammed. The sooner you follow these steps after realising you’ve been scammed, the better, as acting early can help prevent further losses to your bank account.
- Call the 159 hotline. If you’ve provided bank details to a scammer, call the 159 hotline immediately so you can be connected to your bank. Explain what happened and let your bank know bout any money you have lost, as well as asking for any pending payments to be cancelled.
- Report the scam. You can do this via the Action Fraud website, or via telephone at 0300 123 2040 if you’re in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, you can report scams via the Consumer Advice website or phone 0808 164 6000.
For more help and support, contact Citizens Advice (England and Wales), Citizens Advice Scotland, or NIDirect (Northern Ireland). You can also call the UK-wide Financial Conduct Authority’s helpline on 0800 111 6768.
