Money Saving Expert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has issued a new alert urging UK bank customers to memorise a simple three-digit code to protect their finances. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), MSE advised what to do if you receive a call from your bank that feels suspicious.
What to do if you get a suspicious bank call
According to MSE, if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank but you have doubts, hang up immediately and dial 159. This number will connect you directly to your actual bank, which can advise whether the original call was genuine.
The MSE website adds that while 159 is a useful tool, it may not stop sophisticated scammers. Martin Lewis warned: 'This does not guarantee you safety, because sophisticated scammers can spoof a dialling tone so you think you're calling your bank - but the scammer provides a ringtone and an answer.'
Additional safety tips
To be completely safe, Lewis recommends dialling 159 from another phone, or calling a friend's phone first to check if the line is compromised. Alternatively, wait 20 minutes and try 159 on the same phone.
MSE encourages people to call 159 if anyone purporting to be from their bank contacts them, even if the call seems legitimate. You should also call 159 if someone claiming to be an authority figure (like the police) instructs you to transfer money, or if you receive any dubious call about a financial issue.
