Customers with 20 major banks including Halifax, Barclays and HSBC are encouraged to note an important phone number to help protect themselves from being taken in by a scam.
Three new banks have signed up for the 159 service, a number for customers to call if they get a suspicious call purportedly from their bank, to be connected to a secure number for their institution.
Revolut, Chase and Modulr are the latest to sign up for the service, joining big names such as NatWest and Nationwide, with many major telephone companies also signed up.
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.”
Some £1.17billion was stolen by fraudsters and scammers in 2023 while the 159 service has helped protect many consumers, with over 700,000 calls since the service was set up in September 2021.
Woody Malouf, group head of Financial Crime at Revolut, commented to say: “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 & founder of Modulr, said: “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.”
These 20 banks are now signed up to the 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
These telephone providers are also part of the 159 service:
- BT (including EE and Plusnet)
- Gamma
- O2 (including giffgaff)
- Sky
- TalkTalk
- Three
- Virgin Media
- Vodafone
Ruth Evans, chair of Stop Scams UK, said: “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.”
