Stop. Hang up. Call your bank on 159.We have seen an increasing in cold callers claiming to work with your bank, the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) or other similar agencies. If you receive a suspicious call, independently contact your bank or the relevant agency using an official telephone number – do not use numbers given to you by the cold caller. Wait at least 15 minutes before making the call as fraudsters may keep the line open and respond claiming to be from the agency you are telephoning. NEVER disclose any personal or sensitive information over the telephone. Common methods of communication include telephone calls, text messages of emails that mimic official DWP correspondence. Often these communications will: Inform you that payments are at risk unless you provide details such as bank details or national insurance number. Offer to apply for benefits on your behalf for an upfront fee Impersonate DWP staff to gain your trust and collect sensitive information.
If you suspect you have made a payment in response to such a scam call, immediately contact your bank and dial 159; the operator will direct your call appropriately. Intended for use by consumers, 159 provides an easy route back to safety when you get an unexpected phone call about a financial matter. Easy to remember, the short code number now connects customers of more than 99% of the UK’s retail bank current accounts safely and directly with their bank. Unlike many long-form numbers, 159 cannot be spoofed or impersonated.
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