Chase, Modulr and Revolut to join as 159 turns three
- Over 700,000 calls made to 159 since it launched in September 2021
- 159 provides potential scam victims with a route back to safety when they are at most risk of being scammed. It is an unprecedented collaboration between telecoms providers and UK banks.
- £1.17bn stolen through fraud and scams in 2023
Chase, Modulr and Revolut have agreed to join 159, the easily memorable, short-code phone service, that connects UK consumers safely and securely with their bank when they receive an unexpected, suspicious, or fraudulent call about a financial matter. With a reported £1.17bn stolen through fraud and scams in 2023,159 provides banking customers with a vital route back to safety when they are at most risk of being manipulated and scammed.
The arrival of Chase and Modulr takes the number of banking destinations on 159 up to 19. Revolut will become the 20th once it has completed its onboarding process in the coming weeks.
“When we first introduced 159, our goal was to provide consumers with a simple, effective tool to protect themselves from cowardly scammers,” said Ruth Evans, Chair of Stop Scams UK.
“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.”
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.
Sean Hegarty, Head of Fraud for Chase
Sean Hegarty, Head of Fraud for 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.”
Myles Stephenson, CEO & Founder, Modulr: “As 159 celebrates its third birthday, we’re proud to have joined such an impactful initiative. 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.”
Woody Malouf, Group Head of Financial Crime, 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.”
We know that dealing with fraud can be incredibly stressful, but 159 makes reporting fraud much easier for impacted customers and removes uncertainty about how to respond.
Simone Fox, Director of Specialist Services at The Co-operative Bank
On 159’s third birthday, Simone Fox, Director of Specialist Services at The Co-operative Bank, said: “At The Co-operative Bank, we are huge supporters of 159. We know that dealing with fraud can be incredibly stressful, but 159 makes reporting fraud much easier for impacted customers and removes uncertainty about how to respond. On average, we receive 10,000 calls per month through 159 which shows what a lifeline this is to our banking customers. We are really pleased to be celebrating the third birthday of 159 with Stop Scams UK and look forward to continuing our impact through our 159 partnership.”
How it Works – ‘Stop, Hang Up, CALL 159’
When you suspect a scam, remember these three words: Stop, Hang Up, CALL 159.
- If you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details…Stop, hang up and call 159 to speak directly to your bank.
- 159 is the memorable, secure number that connects you directly to your bank if you think you’re being scammed.
- 159 works in the same way as 101 for the police or 111 for the NHS. It’s the number you can trust to get you through to your bank, every time.
- 159 can NEVER be spoofed
- 159 will never call you. Only a fraudster will object to you calling 159.
Banks on 159
- Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Co-operative Bank, Chase, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, Metro Bank, Modulr, Monzo, Nationwide Building Society, Natwest, Revolut, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, Starling, Tide, TSB, Ulster Bank.
