Monzo joins other banks in signing up to 159 anti-fraud phone call service

27 March 2024 , 08:30

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Monzo has joined 159, the phone service that connects people with their bank when they receive a suspect call out of the blue about a financial matter (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Monzo has joined 159, the phone service that connects people with their bank when they receive a suspect call out of the blue about a financial matter.

Customers who think they're being tricked into giving away cash or their private info can simply hang up and dial 159 to chat with their bank directly about the fishy call they received. People should remember the 159 hotline won't ring them. Since starting in September 2021, this service has taken over 560,000 calls, with 233,000 rang in just in 2023.

Those taking part in the 159 scheme also include Barclays, Co-operative Bank, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, Metro Bank, Nationwide Building Society, NatWest, Santander, Starling, Tide, TSB and Ulster Bank.

Director of fraud, fincrime and disputes operations at Monzo, Ashley Hart, said: "Impersonation scams cost UK customers £170 million a year which is why we've partnered with Stop Scams UK and joined 159, enabling our customers to call us quickly if they're worried they're talking to a fraudster."

Ruth Evans, the boss of Stop Scams UK, a group led by the industry, declared: "I am delighted to see Monzo join 159. The addition of Monzo means that 99% of UK current accounts are now covered by 159, ensuring that even more people are being protected from harm."

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"The rapidly growing use of 159 since its launch in September 2021 clearly demonstrates both its value and need. It's encouraging to see the message getting through: if you receive an unexpected or suspicious call on a financial matter: stop, hang up and call 159."

Lawrence Matheson