Martin Lewis: How to call your bank by dialling just three numbers

Over a million calls have been made to 159 since its launch

The 159 scheme aims to provide a safe route to get in touch with your bank if you believe you've been contacted by scammers. It's hoped the short code 159 is easy to remember and, unlike many long-form numbers, it cannot be spoofed or impersonated.

Stop Scams UK, the industry body behind the scheme, have recently revealed that one million calls have been made to the '159' anti-scam phone number since its launch in 2021.

How the 159 service works

When calling 159 you'll be asked to provide the name of the bank you want to be connected to – either by saying it out loud or using your keypad. You'll then be directed through to your bank's customer service department.

Calling the service costs the same as making a national rate call, which means if you've got inclusive minutes it'll be taken from those. Though Stop Scams UK, the industry body behind the scheme, says it is working towards making 159 a universal number offered by all telephone providers, similar to 101, 111 or 999.

Note: Three has confirmed there is an issue impacting 159 calls made from some Android devices via its network, including piggyback providers Smarty and iD Mobile. It says it is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. We'd put this to Three after being alerted of a potential issue by some MoneySavers.

What to do if you think you've been scammed

We break down the steps to take if you think you've been scammed in our 30+ ways to stop scams guide, but in brief, end all further communication with the scammer immediately, then:

1. Call the 159 hotline if you've provided card or bank details. This will connect you directly with your bank. You should then let your bank know about any money you've lost and ask it to cancel any payments that haven't yet been made.
   
   Alternatively, you can call your bank directly. Make sure you find your bank's contact details independently – for example, by calling the phone number on the back of your card or on your bank statement.

2. Report the scam. You can do this via the Action Fraud website or by calling 0300 123 2040 (England, Wales or Northern Ireland). If you're in Scotland, report a scam via the Consumeradvice website or call it on 0808 164 6000. You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101.
   
   Another option (UK-wide), if it's an online scam, is to report it to the Advertising Standards Authority. Do this in addition to reporting it to Action Fraud or Consumeradvice.

3. Use Section 75 if you've been scammed when paying for something costing more than £100 on a credit card. If you used a debit card or spent exactly £100 or less on a credit card, you could try to claim your money back under the chargeback scheme instead.
   
   Unfortunately, if you've transferred the money using sites such as Moneygram, PayPal or Western Union, you generally can't get your money back once you've handed it over.

4. For more help and support, contact Citizens Advice (England and Wales), Citizens Advice Scotland, or NIdirect (Northern Ireland). Alternatively, call the Financial Conduct Authority's helpline on 0800 111 6768 (UK-wide).