159 Stop Scams UK Helpline

The 159 service, operated by Stop Scams UK and launched in 2021, allows consumers to hang up on a suspicious caller claiming to be from their bank and immediately dial 159 to be connected to the genuine fraud team of their UK bank. The service removes the risk of calling a fraudster back using a number provided during the call or searching for a number online — both common manipulation techniques.

Participating banks include the major UK high street and digital banks. When a consumer dials 159, an automated system identifies which bank they wish to reach and connects them. The call is authenticated by the bank's normal verification process. If the original caller was a fraudster, the bank's fraud team can place immediate flags or blocks on the account.

The 159 service is particularly relevant for the 'safe account' scam, where a caller impersonating a bank tells the consumer their account has been compromised and instructs them to transfer funds to a 'safe' account. Hanging up and dialling 159 breaks the social-engineering chain before any money moves.