5 August 2026
Stop, hang up, call 159: Protect yourself from scammers
Scammers are becoming increasingly convincing, using phone calls, texts and emails to trick people into sharing personal information or sending money.
The good news is that there is a simple way to check whether a call about your finances is genuine: Stop, hang up, and call 159.
What is 159?
159 is a trusted phone number that connects you directly to your bank if you think you may be dealing with a scammer. It works in a similar way to 101 for the police or 111 for the NHS, helping you safely reach your bank without relying on a phone number provided by someone else.
When should you call 159?
Call 159 if:
- You receive an unexpected call claiming to be from your bank.
- Someone pressures you to move money or make a payment.
- You are asked to share personal, banking or security information.
- Something about a call, text or message doesn’t feel right.
Three simple steps
STOP – Don’t give away personal or financial information.
HANG UP – End the call if you feel suspicious.
CALL 159 – Speak directly to your bank using a number you can trust.
Remember
Scammers can make calls look genuine and may pretend to be from your bank or another trusted organisation. Taking a moment to stop and call 159 can help prevent fraud before any money is lost or information is shared. 159 will never call you, making it a safe number to use whenever you are unsure.
