- Monzo becomes 17th bank to join 159
- Over 560,000 calls made to 159 since it launched in September 2021
Monzo joins 159
Monzo has joined 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 reported scams costing UK consumers £580 million in the first half of 2023,159 provides banking customers with a vital route back to safety when they are at most risk of being manipulated and scammed.
“Impersonation scams cost UK customers £170m a year which is why we’ve partnered with Stop Scams UK and joined 159, enabling our customers to call us quickly if they’re worried they’re talking to a fraudster.
Ashley Hart, Director of Fraud, FinCrime and Disputes Operations at Monzo
Ashley Hart, Director of Fraud, FinCrime and Disputes Operations at Monzo, said: “Impersonation scams cost UK customers £170m a year which is why we’ve partnered with Stop Scams UK and joined 159, enabling our customers to call us quickly if they’re worried they’re talking to a fraudster. This is in addition to the protection offered by our industry-leading Call Status feature, which tells customers if they’re on the phone to us or not. This is currently used on average 700 times a month to report suspected fraud, stopping these criminals in their tracks and protecting our customers from the emotional and financial stress these crimes can cause.”
Monzo joins at the same time Stop Scams UK has introduced a new Intelligent Voice Response (IVR) system to better route calls, streamlining the calling process, and providing a better service to users. It will also enable 159 to support a wider number of banking destinations.
Since its inception in September 2021, 159 has received over 560,000 calls with 233,000 of those coming in 2023.
It’s encouraging to see the message getting through: if you receive an unexpected or suspicious call on a financial matter: stop, hang up and call 159.
Ruth Evans, Chair of Stop Scams UK
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, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, Metro Bank, Monzo, Nationwide Building Society, Natwest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, Starling, Tide, TSB, Ulster Bank
