Customers of top banks such as Halifax, Barclays, and HSBC are being made aware of a crucial phone service designed to combat scamming efforts. The 159 hotline is a lifeline for bank customers who are suspicious of a phone call claiming to be from their bank.
The service has just got bigger with Revolut, Chase, and Modulr hopping on board, joining the likes of NatWest and Nationwide in the fight against fraud.
The number puts you straight through to a secure line at your bank, and it’s got the backing of major phone companies too. Sean Hegarty, the head of Fraud at Chase, said: “Protecting our customers from fraud and scams is one of our highest priorities, which is why we’ve joined 159 and partnered with Stop Scams UK.
“The 159 hotline is a vital service, providing an even simpler way for customers to call Chase quickly if you suspect you’re being targeted by a scammer.”
In the shocking world of scams, a whopping £1.17 billion was stolen in 2023. But the 159 service is doing its bit, having racked up over 700,000 calls since its launch in September 2021, according to the Manchester Evening News.
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Here is the full list of the 20 banks affiliated with the 159 hotline service:
- Bank of Scotland
- Barclays
- Chase
- Co-operative Bank
- First Direct
- Halifax
- HSBC
- Lloyds
- Metro Bank
- Modulr
- Monzo
- Nationwide Building Society
- Natwest
- Revolut
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Santander
- Starling
- Tide
- TSB
- Ulster Bank.
Woody Malouf, group head of Financial Crime at Revolut, said: “We are delighted to be joining 159, an incredibly important service that helps break the spell of the scammer. We are constantly building on our suite of interventions used to protect our customers, and 159 adds another key layer of security. Alongside Stop Scams UK, we will continue to fight fraudsters and protect customers from becoming victims to ruthless criminals.”
Myles Stephenson, CEO and founder of Modulr, stated: “Fraud prevention is more crucial than ever, and 159 has proven to be a vital tool in that fight. Together with Stop Scams UK and other industry leaders, we remain committed to making the payments environment safer and more resilient for everyone.”
Ruth Evans, chair of Stop Scams UK, added: “Today, with 20 banking destinations now accessible through 159, even more people are safeguarded from potential threats.”
With over 1,000 consumers using the 159 service every day, it is a clear testament to its necessity and impact. Remember: If you receive an unexpected or suspicious call about your finances, stop, hang up, and call 159.