12 hours Ago
Martin Lewis is urging customers to get in touch with your bank if you believe they are the target for a scam. It's hoped the short code 159 is easy to remember and, unlike many long-form numbers, it cannot be spoofed or impersonated. It comes as over £570 million was stolen by fraudsters during the first half of 2024, according to data from banking trade association UK Finance.
In a new post on X, he explains how the number works, and how to use it. How to call your bank by dialling just 3 numbers..
. simply dial 1-5-9! Then you know it's legit, watch the video for more info. Please share, the more people know, the fewer will be scammed.
pic.twitter.com/GCAmRMUsWR — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) April 29, 2025 ”There’s an epidemic of scams in the UK, and far too little protection," says the MoneySavingExpert.
com founder. “Every tool that helps people protect themselves is heaven-sent. The 159 number is a no-brainer, remember it – the diagonal top left to bottom right on your keypad – then, if you need to call your bank, you can safely dial that and you know it’s legit.
“Even if your bank calls you, and asks for details, just ask the person calling what department they’re in, then politely put the phone down and dial back via 159 to be sure.” Scammers will often mis-use Mr Lewis’s name or image, or the identities of other well-known people, to give the false impression to people that the “opportunities” they are advertising are in some way being endorsed. Scam service marks its millionth call More than a million calls have been made to the 159 service since it launched in September 2021.
Virgin Money has signed up to the service, taking the total number of brands available by calling the number to 21. Ruth Evans, chairwoman of Stop Scams UK said: “When we launched 159 in September 2021, our goal was to provide an easily memorable way for people to protect themselves from scammers. “Today, with the welcome addition of Virgin Money, 21 brand destinations are now connected to the 159 service, covering 99.
2% of UK current accounts. “By reaching one million calls, and with over 1,600 individuals using the service every day, it shows just how vital 159 has become in helping protect the public from criminals. Remember: If you receive an unexpected or suspicious call about your finances, stop, hang up, and call 159.
” Gareth Pindred, head of fraud at Virgin Money adds: “Fraudsters impersonating banks is a persistent issue that we are continually enhancing our defences against, and the 159 service is another valuable tool to help protect our customers from scams. “From this week, Virgin Money customers can simply call 159 and be connected directly to our contact centre, with confidence they are speaking to a genuine Virgin Money colleague. We look forward to working with Stop Scams UK and the wider industry on future initiatives that protect our customers and stop the scammers.
” As well as Virgin Money, the banking destinations available via 159 are: Bank of Scotland Barclays Chase First Direct Halifax HSBC Lloyds Metro Bank Modulr Monzo Nationwide Building Society NatWest Revolut Royal Bank of Scotland Santander Starling The Co-operative Bank Tide TSB Ulster Bank Recommended reading: Martin Lewis: Biggest factor to change mortgage rates Martin Lewis urgent warning for DWP tax credit claimants Martin Lewis warning - don't get your passport by post Stop Scams UK is an industry-led collaboration including businesses from the banking, technology and telecoms sectors, to help prevent scammers tricking people out of their money. Criminals will often abuse the services of more than one sector to steal people’s cash and the joined-up effort across different organisations aims to help combat this. Dave Harcourt, chief security authority and automation director, at BT said: “It’s great to see the impact the 159 service has had since its launch, as it’s become an important tool in the fight against scams.
” Maria Cearns, chief operating officer at the Co-operative Bank, said: “Through 159, we have received thousands of calls related to fraud, showing just how impactful this initiative is for our customers.”.
