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What is 159?

159 is a UK telephone number that connects you to your own bank when you think a caller is trying to trick you. Ofcom says you can use it if your bank supports it, where the concern is money or personal details. 12

By Secordit. Last checked: 10 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How it works

  1. Hang up on a suspicious call first. Do not call back a number the caller gave you. 1
  2. Call 159, if your bank supports it, to be connected to your bank. You can also use the number on the back of your card, or the bank's website or app. 12
  3. If you have already shared information or sent money, contact your bank or card provider. Ofcom says they might be able to stop a payment or recover funds. That is not a promise that a payment will be stopped or that money will come back. 1

How it can look

A caller claims to be from your bank and asks you to move money or share a code. Hang up, then call 159 or the number on your card. Mobile UK says 159 will never call you, and that only a fraudster will object to you calling 159. Ofcom also reminds people that it will never call out of the blue or ask for bank or personal details. 21

What to know

  • A caller claims to be from your bank, the police, or another trusted body, and asks you to move money or share personal details. 12
  • The caller gives a number to call back, or objects when you say you will call 159 or the number on your card. 21
  • Ofcom and Mobile UK say 159 will never call you. Only a fraudster will object to you calling 159. 12

What to do now

  1. Hang up on the suspicious call. Do not call back a number the caller gave you. 1
  2. Call 159 if your bank supports it, or use the number on the back of your card, or the bank's website or app. 12
  3. Still report the crime to Report Fraud, or to Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland, where that is the right route. 31456

UK reporting and support

How to protect yourself

  • Hang up first, then use 159 or the number on your card. Do not call back a number the caller gave you. 12
  • Mobile UK says 159 will never call you. Only a fraudster will object to you calling 159. 2
  • Use 159 to reach your bank. Still report the crime to Report Fraud, or to Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland, where that is the right route. 159 is a bank connection number, and 7726 is a way to report suspicious texts and call numbers. 132456

Frequently asked questions

When should I call 159, and will 159 ever call me?

Call 159, if your bank supports it, when you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details. Mobile UK says 159 will never call you, and that only a fraudster will object to you calling 159. 12

What if my bank does not support 159?

Ofcom says you can also contact your bank or card provider using the number on the back of your card. You can also use the bank's website or app. 1

Is 159 the same as Report Fraud or 7726?

Use 159 to reach your bank. Use Report Fraud, or Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland, to report the crime. Use 7726 to report a suspicious text or call number to your mobile provider. 132456

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for the money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

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Sources

  1. Ofcom, What to do about a scam call, text or message. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Mobile UK, Protect against fraud. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Report Fraud, Report Fraud. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Report Fraud, Guide to reporting cyber crime and fraud. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. Police Scotland, How to report a crime - Police Scotland. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  6. Report Fraud, Reporting cyber crime and fraud or phishing attempts - Report Fraud. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).