Dialling 159 is the 999 Equivalent for Banking Scams
Published / Last Updated on 08/11/2023
We will all be familiar with the 999 Emergency telephone number for police, fire, ambulance, coastguard etc. in the UK and in the USA, it is 911. What you may not be aware of is the other, core 3-digit numbers in the UK as well as the newer 159 Bank Scam number (launched in 2021 but not well known).
- 999 Emergency Services (freephone).
- 101 Police service (non-emergency) (freephone).
- 105 National Power Cut service (freephone).
- 111 NHS (non-emergency) (freephone).
- 112 Emergency services (EU wide) – cost depends upon country.
- 119 NHS Track and Trace (Covid-19) (freephone).
- 123 Talking Clock (national rate call as is a 'business' rather than state funded).
- 159 Bank Scam (national rate call as is a 'business' rather than state funded).
Download Ofcom’s 3 Digit Number Card or simply Download our Image to your Phone (we’ve added the Bank Scam number).
159 Bank Scam Line
Financial scams are costing the UK consumer and businesses £millions every year. Many banks have now come together to subscribe to a bank scam line 159.
If you suspect you are being targetted or have any doubt whatsoever when/if you think you are talking to your bank:
- Hang up, put the phone down.
- Call 159.
- Select your bank from the menu.
- You will then be connected to your bank’s real, secure number.
Banks Signed up to 159
- Bank of Scotland
- Barclays
- Co-operative Bank
- First Direct
- Halifax
- HSBC
- Lloyds
- Metro Bank
- Nationwide Building Society
- NatWest
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Santander
- Starling Bank
- Tide
- TSB
- Ulster Bank
Telephone and Mobile Phone Suppliers that Support 159
- BT (including EE and Plusnet)
- Gamma
- O2 (including giffgaff)
- Sky
- Three
- Vodafone
- TalkTalk
- Virgin Media
Not just the 159 service itself but even if our video helps just one person protect themselves from an attempted scam, then it will have been worth it (as well as making you aware of the other 3 digit numbers).
