Millions Use 159 To Stop Scammers On Their Tracks
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The 159 phone service, launched 3 years ago, has now received over one million calls from users who suspected they were being targeted by scammers. The service offers a quick way to connect with banks and stop fraud before it happens.
The idea behind 159 is simple. If someone receives a strange or suspicious call about their money, they can hang up and dial 159 instead. The number links them directly to their bank, making it easier to avoid fraud.
159 Hotline Builds Trust With Backing From Major UK Banks
This service was introduced by Stop Scams UK, a group focused on stopping online and phone scams. Since its launch, 159 has become a trusted number, with more than 1,600 users using it every day to check if calls are real.
“The 159 lines for emergency has teamed up with 21 well-known brands including major players like Monzo, Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, Revolut, Santander, and Nationwide. It also supports banks like Starling, Virgin Money, Halifax, and NatWest, among others.
According to Ruth Evans who leads Stop Scams UK, explained that the goal was to create a better and easy-to-remember number that any customer could use. She noted that the growing use of 159 shows how users rely on it to protect themselves.
The public trust in the service has grown, especially with help from well-known figures like Martin Lewis, who runs MoneySavingExpert.com. Scammers often pretend to be him to trick victims. He has been encouraging everyone to remember 159.
He suggested that if a caller claims to be from a bank and asks for personal information, the safest option is to hang up and call back using 159. This way, customers can talk directly to their bank and avoid being tricked.
Stop Scams UK has also been working with partners in banking, phone companies, and social media to share fraud information and fight scams as a team. These joint efforts aim to catch fraudsters faster and protect more customers.
Banks Call For Teamwork To Beat Scammers
Vim Maru, the head of Barclays UK, explained that keeping customers’ money and data safe is their top concern. He noted that fraud is still the most common crime in the country, and the only way to stop it is by working together.
Barclays, one of the founding members of Stop Scams UK, is pushing for stronger teamwork between banks, tech companies, regulators, and law enforcement. This united approach can help everyone stay ahead of new scam tricks.
With millions now using 159 and more partners joining the effort, the service is becoming a key tool in the fight against fraud—making it easier for the public to stay safe and act fast.
