Stop scammers in their tracks by dialling 159 Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) and Stop Scams UK have launched a new emergency hotline number to allow people to instantly report and check financial scams as they happen by dialling a 3-digit access code on their telephone.

The new 159 hotline number automatically connects the potential victim to their bank�s fraud prevention service, therefore, if you receive a suspicious call, you should immediately hang up the phone and dial 159 to be connected to your bank without any hassle or time wasted. According to Stop Scams UK, fraudsters stole �470m across the UK in 2020 by mimicking a bank or service provider. The banking trade body, UK Finance, has described the level of fraud as a national security threat.

How long will the service run for?

The new hotline service is planned to run for a year starting from 30th September 2021 with the intention for this to become a long-term universal service eventually. Ofcom informed us that 159 is currently designated as a Type C Access Code in the National Telephone Numbering Plan. Ofcom�s programme of work to disrupt and prevent nuisance calls and scams has the intention to re-designate this as a Type A Access Code if the public agree the success of the new service and confirm this is something that should continue going forward.

Which banks have joined the 159 service?

Currently, Barclays, Lloyds, Halifax, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank, Santander and Starling Bank have all confirmed their commitment, with Nationwide Building Society advising that they will be joining but with their own version in the near future. TSB will also be joining from January 2022.

Will 159 work on my telephone?

According to Stop Scams UK, almost all major consumer telephone companies are participating, with most UK mobiles and landlines able to use 159. Below are the telephone companies confirmed so far:

• BT (including EE and Plusnet)
• Gamma
• O2 (including giffgaff)
• TalkTalk
• Three
• Virgin Media
• Sky
• Vodafone

How much will it cost to call 159?

Stop Scams UK advised that calling 159 will cost the same as a national rate call (usually part of the included minutes in most phone tariffs).

Things to remember

• 159 will never call you. 159 will only direct you to your bank
• NEVER agree to transfer money, no matter how legitimate the call appears to be
• NEVER provide personal or account information to unknown callers
• If you are suspicious, hang up and call 159 or your bank directly to confirm

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