MoneySavings & BanksBanksMartin Lewis' team has given people a reminder of the secure hotline for 27 major banking brands14:39, 17 Jun 2026Millions have used a code to protect themselves from falling victim to cybercriminal tactics and losing their hard-earned money. Recently highlighted by Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert (MSE) team, people have been advised to remember three digits to dial on their phones if they suspect they've been targeted by someone posing as their bank.‌Suspicious calls come in various forms - from direct attempts to swipe cash to more sneaky approaches. There have been instances of fraudsters impersonating the fraud departments out to stop them, so don't simply assume a call from your 'bank' is always genuine - if in doubt, hang up and dial 159 instead, reports the Express.‌The MSE team explained: "There's a secure and easy hotline that can help check if a suspicious call was genuine. The number is 159 and is operated by Stop Scams UK. If you receive a call from your 'bank' that you think doesn't feel quite right, hang up immediately and dial 159. You'll be connected directly to your actual bank, which should then be able to advise whether the call was genuine or not."‌Content cannot be displayed without consentWhat does 159 do? Is it free to call?Stop Scams UK claims that the 159 line "works in the same way as 101 for the police or 111 for the NHS". It was launched in 2021 to help UK banking customers safely and securely contact their bank if they receive an unexpected or suspicious call.‌The website said: "It's the number you can trust to get you through to your bank safely and securely, every time. So if you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details - stop, hang up and call 159 to speak directly to your bank."The charge for dialling 159 will differ depending on your phone provider. In most instances, this will match a standard national rate call, but check with your specific provider for precise information.If your mobile or landline package includes free call minutes, 159 calls are typically counted within that allowance. While there are long-term hopes that Ofcom will eventually mandate 159 as a completely free, universal service (like 111 or 999), there are currently no exact dates for when that transition will take place.Article continues belowWhich banks can be contacted via the 159 service?As of June 2026, the complete list of legitimate banking brands that can be contacted by dialling the 159 line includes:Bank of Ireland UKBank of ScotlandBarclaysCater Allen Private BankChaseCo-operative BankDanske BankFirst DirectHalifaxHSBCLloydsMetro BankModulrMonzoNationwide Building SocietyNatWestRevolutRoyal Bank of ScotlandSantanderSpringStarling BankTideTrue PotentialTSBUlster BankVirgin MoneyZempler BankChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌BanksScamsMartin LewisBarclaysCo op BankFirst Direct Ltd.Halifax Inc.LloydsNationwideNatWestRoyal Bank of ScotlandSantanderTSB Bank PLCUlster Bank Ltd.Virgin Money