Hello everyone,
I know, I know, I should be packing but have just received this from Devon and Cornwall Police which I thought was worth sending round while I remember, which I might not by the time I return! To be honest, I wasn’t overly aware of this one but, given the increasing propensity for financial fraud in one form or another, a further weapon to add to our preventive armoury and useful advice on how to use it too.
I really am off now!
Michael
159 is a UK-wide telephone number that you can use to contact your bank’s fraud department. It works similar to how 111 is used for the NHS and 101 for non-emergency calls to the police. Calling 159 allows you to speak to someone from your bank’s fraud team. They can help you check on potential scams, and verify the legitimacy of a call or message you may have received claiming to come from your bank. You can also use this number for added reassurance, prior to taking part in any new financial transaction.
If you receive a suspicious call or message, involving any type of financial transaction, including those claiming to be from your bank, your telecoms provider, HRMC, the police, STOP. Then call 159 to check on the call or messages authenticity. If you are making the call in response to an incoming telephone call, ideally dial 159 from a different phone to ensure the scammer can’t intercept or redirect your call. If you only have one phone available to use, wait a short while, then phone a friend who’s voice you will recognise. This ensures that you phone line is now clear. Then call 159.
159 is a safe and secure way to contact your bank, helping to protect you from financial fraud. The service is supported by major UK banks and telecommunications companies.
159 will never call you.
If you wish to report a Fraud or Cyber Crime please visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk
