Barclays, Halifax, NatWest and 17 other bank users alerted to scam phone number

Customers of 20 major banks, including Halifax, Barclays and HSBC, are being urged to take note of a crucial phone number to safeguard themselves from falling victim to scams. The 159 service, which customers can dial if they receive a suspicious call claiming to be from their bank, has been joined by three new banks, allowing customers to connect to a secure line for their respective institution.

Revolut, Chase and Modulr are the latest to join the service, following in the footsteps of big names such as NatWest and Nationwide. Many major telephone providers have also signed up. Sean Hegarty, head of Fraud for Chase, stated: "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." In 2023, fraudsters and scammers stole some £1.17billion, while the 159 service has helped protect numerous consumers, receiving over 700,000 calls since its inception in September 2021.

These are the 20 banks 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.

Woody Malouf, group head of Financial Crime at Revolut, remarked: "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, stated: "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 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, commented: "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."