Stop Scams UK

Crimestoppers has teamed up with Stop Scams UK to help stop scams at source.

• In 2020, criminal gangs stole over £470m* by pretending to be your bank or other service provider. 

• In the first six months of 2021 alone, the figure was over £355m*.

[* Figures from UK Finance]

Stop Scams UK (SSUK) has been set up by the UK’s major high street banks, telecoms companies including BT, TalkTalk and Three and technology companies such as Microsoft, Meta and Google in order to fight fraud and stop scams at source.

Stop, hang up, call 159

159 is the memorable, short number which connects you directly to your bank if you think you’re being scammed. 

If you receive an unexpected or suspicious call about a financial matter from someone claiming to be your bank and you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details  – STOP, HANG UP and then CALL 159.

So far, over 75,000 calls have been made to 159, helping keep consumers and their money safe, and SSUK's ultimate aim is for Ofcom to make 159 a mandatory number, like 101, 111 or indeed 999, and to be available via all UK telephone providers. 

This is a big year for both SSUK and Crimestoppers. We're both clear that, together, there is a vital, crucial and unique role to play in the fight against scams.