Hello Resident,

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank, stop, hang up and dial 159. This is the hotline designed to fight fraud. Calling 159 is a positive step you can make to challenge scammers and protect yourself. When you call 159, you'll be put through to your bank directly and securely. The 159 hotline is managed by Stop Scams UK. This also applies if someone contacts you claiming to be from the Police, Fraud Squad or a similar authority asking you to transfer money. Don't transfer any money or provide any bank details. Hang up and call 159.

If you feel uneasy or suspicious about a call you have received from someone asking for financial details or pressuring you into a making a payment, it's not rude to hang up. It is reasonable and sensible to do that and call 159. Do not feel bad about it. 

You will never receive a call from 159. If you do either don't answer, or if you answer by mistake, hang up immediately. If you received a call from 159 on your landline, don't use the same landline to dial 159 and report the scam (the criminals could keep the line open). Instead, use a mobile or different device to call 159. Some fraudsters can match the number that comes up on your phone with your bank’s number or the 159 number, a technique known as number spoofing. Therefore it’s always best to dial the number yourself if you’re worried that a call you’ve received isn’t genuine.

Find out more here - 159 phone number - Stop Scams UK

What is Action Fraud?

Action Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. This is where you should report if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime. You can report fraud or cyber crime using our online reporting service any time of the day or night; the service enables you to both report a fraud and find help and support. Reports taken are passed to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau who assess, analyse and send them to police forces for investigation.. Action Fraud does not investigate the cases and cannot advise you on the progress of a case.

Find out more here - Reporting fraud and cyber crime | Action Fraud