UK banks are launching an emergency hotline to protect customers from APP (Authorised Push Payment) fraudsters who impersonate bank staff.
Initially set as a one-year pilot, the 159 hotline is backed by major banks including Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, and Starling Bank, covering around 70% of primary account holders in the UK. The initiative is managed by Stop Scams UK, an organization funded by banks and telecom companies, which also collaborates with leading UK telecommunications networks.
This development comes in response to a growing concern over a surge in APP fraud, where scammers deceive individuals into sharing security information by pretending to be authority figures. Recent data from UK Finance indicates that losses from APP fraud surpassed those from card fraud for the first time in the first half of 2021. APP fraud saw a staggering 71% increase, amounting to £355.3 million, compared to £261.7 million lost to card crime during the same period.
Stop Scams UK advises, “If you believe someone is attempting to trick you into giving away money or personal details… stop, hang up, and call 159 to reach your bank directly.” The 159 hotline functions similarly to emergency numbers like 101 for police or 111 for the NHS, offering a trustworthy option to contact your bank.
If the pilot is successful, there are plans to implement the 159 number as a universal contact accessible from all phones and for all banks.