Phone fraud or ‘vishing’ is when a fraudster calls pretending to be your bank, supplier, customer, internet service provider or the police. They’ll often call pretending to be from your bank, highlighting there is a problem with your accounts or online banking. They appear genuine as they’ll already have information on you.

159 is a new fraud hotline which will let you check whether a call from your bank is genuine. If you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details……Stop, hang up and call 159 to speak directly to your bank. Call 159 if:

• Someone contacts you saying they’re from your bank – even if they are not suspicious. You receive a call asking you to transfer money or make a payment – even if it seems genuine
• You receive a call about a financial matter and it seems suspicious

Remember, 159 will never call you. But you can rely on 159 to get you through to your bank. If 159 doesn’t work, for any reason – You should contact your bank in the normal way, using the number on your bank card. Calling 159 will cost the same as a national rate call; usually part of the included minutes in most phone tariffs.

159 has been set up by banks and telephone companies who want to fight fraud. It’s a pilot scheme at the moment. The following banks are part of it: Barclays, Lloyds (including Halifax and Bank of Scotland), NatWest (including Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank), Santander and Starling Bank.
That covers over 70% of UK primary current account holders.