Stop Scams UK - Call 159

How it works

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 safely and securely, every time. So 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.

What does it cost?

The cost of calling 159 will vary according to your phone provider. In many cases this will be the same as a national rate call. Please ask your provider for details.

Who can use 159?

The banks that can be reached through 159 are:

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 Bank
Tide
TSB
Ulster Bank

The telephone companies involved in 159 are:

BT (including EE and Plusnet)
Gamma
O2 (including giffgaff)
Sky
Three
Vodafone
TalkTalk
Virgin Media

159 is the first public-facing initiative. Intended for use by consumers, 159 provides an easy route back to safety when you get an unexpected phone call about a financial matter. Easy to remember, the short code number now connects customers of more than 99% of the UK’s retail bank current accounts safely and directly with their bank. Unlike many long-form numbers, 159 cannot be spoofed or impersonated.

Stop Scams UK launched 159 as a pilot to prove the concept’s value. Looking ahead, they plan to develop it further, expanding the number of destinations serviced, and making a better customer experience. The next step is to ask Ofcom the communications regulator to consult on making 159 a mandatory “Type A” number, like 999, or 111. 

159: A Growing Success

159 plays a vital role in keeping people safe and it has not stood still. More than 560,000 calls have been made to the number since it’s inception. It has been expanded to bring in new banking destinations, including Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Co-operative Bank, Chase, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, Metro Bank, Modulr Finance, Monzo, Nationwide Building Society, NatWest, Revolut, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, Starling, Tide, TSB and Ulster Bank.