Barclays, Halifax and NatWest customers urged to take note of new scam phone number
Three new banks and several telephone providers have joined the 159 service, which allows customers to connect to a secure line for their respective institution
by Nicholas Dawson · ChronicleLiveCustomers of 20 leading banks, including Halifax, Barclays, and HSBC, are now encouraged to familiarise themselves with an essential phone service to help protect against scam attempts.
The 159 hotline is a dedicated number for bank customers to call if they suspect a fraudulent call purporting to be from their bank. It has expanded its network with the addition of three more banks - Revolut, Chase and Modulr - joining established brands like NatWest and Nationwide who are already onboard.
The hotline enables direct contact to a secure line with the customer's bank, with several leading telephone providers also supporting the initiative. Sean Hegarty, head of Fraud at Chase, commented: "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."
He further emphasised the importance of the service by saying: "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 the year 2023, it was recorded that scammers made away with a staggering £1.17 billion. Meanwhile, the 159 service has proven its worth by aiding countless victims, registering upwards of 700,000 calls since it started operating in September 2021, reports the Manchester Evening News.
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Here is the full list of the 20 banks affiliated with the 159 hotline 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, said: "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 and 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."
Ruth Evans, chair of Stop Scams UK, added: "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.
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