In the latest newsletter from the Bromley Neighbourhood Watch Association, they’re sharing information about Met Engage. They’ve also highlighted Stop Scams UK, which is a phone line you can call to get in touch with your bank safely.
How the 159 service works
If someone calls you claiming to be from your bank, or asking for personal financial information, here’s what you can do:
- Don’t be rushed into doing anything. Stop the conversation. Hang up.
- Wait a few seconds. Then call 159.
- You will hear a recorded message asking you to provide the name of the bank you’d like to be connected to – you can say it out loud or use your keypad to make a selection.
- You’ll then be directed through to your bank’s customer service department, where your bank will ask you the usual security questions and make sure your call is directed to the best department to help you.
- You can check with them if what you heard is true: for example, a scammer pretending to be from the fraud department might tell you they have seen some unusual transactions on your account.
- Your bank will update you and tell you what to do to keep yourself safe.
Calling the service costs the same as making a national rate call. You can do this from home, or when you’re out and about, if you need to. It’s a fast way to contact your bank without the need to hunt for their phone number.
Find out more
Martin Lewis explains it in more detail, plus shares information about how to protect yourself from scams.
The Stop Scams UK website also has more information, including more info about the banks which have signed up to the scheme.
Coney Hall Village Residents' Association (CHVRA) 