UK urges public to dial 159 to verify bank calls and avoid scams

Stop Scams UK has promoted a three‑digit phone number, 159, that connects callers directly to their bank’s customer‑service or fraud team. The service is intended for anyone who receives a suspicious call claiming to be from their bank.

TikTok creator Caroline advised viewers to hang up an unexpected bank call, wait for the line to clear, then dial 159. She explained, “Imagine you get a call from somebody claiming to be from your bank… Instead of panicking, hang up, wait for the call to disconnect, that’s very important, and then dial these three numbers: 159.” The guidance aims to prevent fraudsters from harvesting personal and banking details and to protect UK bank accounts from scams.

The 159 number was established by Stop Scams UK as a secure way for the public to confirm whether a call is genuine, thereby reducing the risk of account theft across the United Kingdom.