If you receive a telephone call from someone claiming to be from your bank and you are told that there has been suspicious activity on your account, that your money is at risk, or that you need to transfer your savings immediately to keep them safe, do not react.
The caller may sound professional, know your name and even mention the bank you use, but how do you know the caller really is from your bank?
An immediate check is to call 159.
159 is a telephone service designed to help you contact your bank safely if you think someone may be trying to scam you. It was introduced by Stop Scams UK and connects callers to participating banks. There are currently more than 20 participating banks and financial organisations, covering more than 99% of UK retail bank current accounts.
What should you do?
1. Stop the conversation. Do not give out personal details, passwords, PINs or banking information.
2. Hang up. Do not allow anyone to pressure you into transferring money or making an immediate decision.
3. Call 159. Ideally use a different telephone. If using the same phone, wait at least five minutes before calling.
4. Follow the instructions. You will be directed to your participating bank’s fraud support service.
Three important things to remember
• Your bank will never ask you to transfer money into a so-called safe account to protect it from fraud.
• Never disclose a one-time banking security code to an unexpected caller.
• If you have already transferred money or disclosed banking details, contact your bank immediately.
Why not write 159 is a Bank Scam Check beside your telephone, or share it with an older relative, friend or neighbour?
Knowing these three numbers could help prevent someone from losing their savings.
A few extra points
• 159 cannot be spoofed, and it will never call you. If someone claims to be calling from 159, hang up — it is a scam.
• The call is charged at the normal national rate and is usually included in inclusive minutes.
For more information about the 159 service, visit stopscamsuk.org.uk.
