159 passes one million calls
In a sombre milestone, Stop Scams UK has announced that over one million calls have been made to 159 – the easily memorable short code number that connects consumers safely and directly to their bank when they receive an unexpected call about a financial matter.
With over £570 million stolen by fraudsters during the first half of 2024, 159 provides banking customers with a vital route back to safety.
The arrival of Virgin Money takes the number of brand destinations on 159 to 21, with the service covering 99.2% of UK current accounts.
“When we launched 159 in September 2021, our goal was to provide an easily memorable way for people to protect themselves from scammers,” said Ruth Evans, Chair of Stop Scams UK.
“By reaching one million calls, and with over 1,600 calls being made to the service every day, it shows just how vital 159 has become in helping protect the public from criminals.”
We look forward to working with Stop Scams UK and the wider industry on future initiatives that protect our customers and stop the scammers.
Gareth Pindred, Head of Fraud at Virgin Money
Gareth Pindred, Head of Fraud at Virgin Money, said that reaching one million calls was a “significant milestone” that “shows the value” 159 provides to banking customers across the country.
“Fraudsters impersonating banks is a persistent issue that we are continually enhancing our defences against, and the 159 service is another valuable tool to help protect our customers from scams,” he said.
“From this week, Virgin Money customers can simply call 159 and be connected directly to our contact centre, with confidence they are speaking to a genuine Virgin Money colleague. We look forward to working with Stop Scams UK and the wider industry on future initiatives that protect our customers and stop the scammers.”
I just hope the remaining small banks you can’t access via it yet, sign up soon.
Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com
Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, says remembering the 159 number is a “no-brainer” and urged more smaller banks to sign up to the service.
“There’s an epidemic of scams in the UK, and far too little protection. So, every tool that helps people protect themselves is heaven-sent,” he said.
“The 159 number is a no-brainer, remember it – the diagonal top left to bottom right on your keypad – then, if you need to call your bank, you can safely dial that and you know it’s legit. Even if your bank calls you, and asks for details, just ask the person calling what department they’re in, then politely put the phone down and dial back via 159 to be sure. I just hope the remaining small banks you can’t access via it yet, sign up soon.”
We are proud to have championed 159 with Stop Scams UK and we very much look forward to continuing our impact through our partnership.
Maria Cearns, Chief Operating Officer at The Co-operative Bank
Maria Cearns, Chief Operating Officer at The Co-operative Bank, said her company was “proud to have championed 159 with Stop Scams UK”.
“The Co-operative Bank is a huge supporter of 159,” she said.
“Coming to the realisation that you may have been a victim of fraud can be a frightening and stressful time, but the 159 number makes knowing what to do next so much easier for our customers. By simply dialling 159, our customers can be safely routed through to our contact centre to report fraud as soon as they suspect anything.
“Through 159, we have received thousands of calls related to fraud, showing just how impactful this initiative is for our customers. We are proud to have championed 159 with Stop Scams UK and we very much look forward to continuing our impact through our partnership.”
I’m proud of BT Group’s role in the development of the 159 service, which we can all use to stay one step ahead of scammers and keep our money safe
Dave Harcourt, Chief Security Authority and Automation Director at BT
Dave Harcourt, Chief Security Authority and Automation Director at BT said he was “proud” of his company’s role in developing the phone service.
“We set out with the aim of creating a quick and easy way for people to contact their bank when they are concerned they are being scammed, in line with our commitment to enhancing security for all phone and internet users in the UK,” he said.
“I’m proud of BT Group’s role in the development of the 159 service, which we can all use to stay one step ahead of scammers and keep our money safe.”
The 159 service is just one of several cross-sector collaborations that takes place under the umbrella of Stop Scams UK including the Meta FIRE project and other data sharing pilots.
Stop Scams UK is aware that a small number of telecoms providers have not yet secured a connection to 159.
We believe this affects only a small number percentage of UK telecoms providers and we’re grateful to those consumers who brought this to our attention. We are keen to meet with these providers at the earliest opportunity to ensure more people can access 159 and gain protection from fraudsters.
