TL;DR
Dialling 159 connects callers directly to their bank's fraud team through the Stop Scams UK service. Major UK banks participate, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, Nationwide, NatWest, Santander and TSB. The service is free and quick.
Dialling 159 connects callers directly to their bank's fraud team through the Stop Scams UK service. The shortcode was launched in 2021 as a single number anyone can call when they suspect a scam, with major UK banks participating including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, Nationwide, NatWest, Santander and TSB.
Why 159 exists
Stop Scams UK is a not-for-profit organisation backed by major UK banks and telecoms providers. The 159 service was launched in 2021 to give consumers a memorable, easy-to-remember number to call when they suspect a scam.
The number works similarly to 999 for emergencies, with the caller put through to the right place automatically. After dialling 159 the caller selects their bank, and the call routes directly to the bank's fraud team without going through general customer service.
Which banks participate
Major participating banks include Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, Metro Bank, Monzo, Nationwide, NatWest Group, Santander, Starling Bank, Tide, Triodos Bank, TSB and Virgin Money. The list is published on stopscamsuk.org.uk.
Customers of banks not in the scheme should call the fraud number on the back of their card. The 159 service routes calls through directly only for participating banks.
When to call 159
Call 159 if you receive a suspicious phone call about a bank account, a text or email asking for payment details, or if you have already given details and want to stop a transaction.
The service is also useful when callers claim to be from a bank and ask you to call a different number. Hanging up and calling 159 takes you to the genuine fraud team rather than back to the scammer.
How the call works
After dialling 159 the caller chooses the relevant bank from a list using the keypad. The call routes directly to the bank's fraud line. Wait times depend on the bank's own queue.
The number is free to call from landlines and most mobile networks. The major operators including BT, EE, O2, Sky, TalkTalk, Three, Virgin Media and Vodafone support the service.
What to do if a scam has already happened
Call 159 immediately to alert your bank's fraud team. The team can block the affected account, recover the funds where possible and issue new cards or account numbers.
Report the incident to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040. The Citizens Advice consumer scams helpline on 0808 223 1133 offers wider guidance on next steps and accessing compensation.
Key facts
- 159 is the Stop Scams UK shortcode.
- Launched in 2021 by banks and telecoms providers.
- Major UK banks participate.
- Free to call from landlines and most mobiles.
- Action Fraud reporting at 0300 123 2040.
FAQ
What is 159?
A shortcode launched in 2021 by Stop Scams UK. Dialling 159 connects callers directly to the fraud team at their bank, with major UK banks participating. The service is free.
Which banks are part of the service?
Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, Metro Bank, Monzo, Nationwide, NatWest, Santander, Starling, Tide, Triodos, TSB and Virgin Money are listed at stopscamsuk.org.uk.
When should I dial 159?
Call when you suspect a scam, when you have received a suspicious call or text about your account, or when you have already given details and want to stop a transaction.
Is the service free?
Yes, from landlines and most mobile networks. The major UK operators including BT, EE, O2, Sky, TalkTalk, Three, Virgin Media and Vodafone support the service.
