Anti-scam hotline reaches a million calls since launch as Martin Lewis praises instrument | EUROtoday

More than a million calls have been made to the ‘159’ anti-scam hotline since its launch in September 2021, as cash skilled Martin Lewis praises the easy-to-access service.

It presents a easy, memorable quantity for people who suspect they is perhaps focused by scammers, connecting them straight with their financial institution.

Virgin Money is the newest establishment to affix the initiative, bringing the entire variety of taking part monetary manufacturers to 21. This growth broadens the service’s attain, providing elevated safety to a wider buyer base.

The 159 service goals to offer a vital intervention level, permitting potential victims to rapidly confirm the legitimacy of calls, texts, or emails requesting delicate info.

Martin Lewis, founding father of MoneySavingExpert.com mentioned: ”There’s an epidemic of scams within the UK, and much too little safety.

open picture in gallery

“So, every tool that helps people protect themselves is heaven-sent. The 159 number is a no-brainer, remember it – the diagonal top left to bottom right on your keypad – then, if you need to call your bank, you can safely dial that and you know it’s legit.

“Even if your bank calls you, and asks for details, just ask the person calling what department they’re in, then politely put the phone down and dial back via 159 to be sure.”

Scammers will usually mis-use Mr Lewis’s title or picture, or the identities of different well-known individuals, to present the misunderstanding to those who the “opportunities” they’re promoting are not directly being endorsed.

Ruth Evans, chairwoman of Stop Scams UK mentioned: “When we launched 159 in September 2021, our goal was to provide an easily memorable way for people to protect themselves from scammers.

“Today, with the welcome addition of Virgin Money, 21 brand destinations are now connected to the 159 service, covering 99.2% of UK current accounts.

“By reaching one million calls, and with over 1,600 individuals using the service every day, it shows just how vital 159 has become in helping protect the public from criminals. Remember: If you receive an unexpected or suspicious call about your finances, stop, hang up, and call 159.”

open picture in gallery

Gareth Pindred, head of fraud at Virgin Money: “Fraudsters impersonating banks is a persistent issue that we are continually enhancing our defences against, and the 159 service is another valuable tool to help protect our customers from scams.

“From this week, Virgin Money customers can simply call 159 and be connected directly to our contact centre, with confidence they are speaking to a genuine Virgin Money colleague. We look forward to working with Stop Scams UK and the wider industry on future initiatives that protect our customers and stop the scammers.”

As effectively as Virgin Money, the banking locations obtainable by way of 159 are Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Chase, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, Metro Bank, Modulr, Monzo, Nationwide Building Society, NatWest, Revolut, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, Starling, the Co-operative Bank, Tide, TSB, and Ulster Bank.

Stop Scams UK is an industry-led collaboration together with companies from the banking, expertise and telecoms sectors, to assist stop scammers tricking individuals out of their cash.

Criminals will usually abuse the providers of a couple of sector to steal individuals’s money and the joined-up effort throughout totally different organisations goals to assist fight this.

Dave Harcourt, chief safety authority and automation director, BT mentioned: “It’s great to see the impact the 159 service has had since its launch, as it’s become an important tool in the fight against scams.”

Maria Cearns, chief working officer on the Co-operative Bank, mentioned: “Through 159, we have received thousands of calls related to fraud, showing just how impactful this initiative is for our customers.”