FinTech

Chase, Modulr and Revolut have agreed to join the 159 scam helpline service.

The short-code phone service connects UK consumers safely and securely with their bank when they receive an unexpected, suspicious or fraudulent call about a financial matter.

The arrival of Chase and Modulr takes the number of banking destinations on 159 up to 19. Revolut will become the 20th once it has completed its onboarding process in the coming weeks.

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A reported £1.17 billion was stolen through fraud and scams in 2023. More than 700,000 calls have been made to service since it launched three years ago.

Ruth Evans, chair of Stop Scams UK, said: “When we first introduced 159, our goal was to provide consumers with a simple, effective tool to protect themselves from cowardly scammers. Today, with 20 banking destinations now accessible through 159, even more people are safeguarded from potential threats. 

“With over 1,000 consumers using the 159 service every day, it is a clear testament to its necessity and impact. Remember: If you receive an unexpected or suspicious call about your finances, stop, hang up, and call 159.”

The full list of partners now reads: Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Chase, Co-operative Bank, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, Metro Bank, Modulr, Monzo, Nationwide Building Society, Natwest, Revolut, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, Starling, Tide, TSB and Ulster Bank.

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“As 159 celebrates its third birthday, we’re proud to have joined such an impactful initiative,” said Myles Stephenson, CEO & founder at Modulr.

“Fraud prevention is more crucial than ever, and 159 has proven to be a vital tool in that fight. Together with Stop Scams UK and other industry leaders, we remain committed to making the payments environment safer and more resilient for everyone.”

Woody Malouf, group head of financial crime at Revolut, added: “We are delighted to be joining 159, an incredibly important service that helps break the spell of the scammer. 

“We are constantly building on our suite of interventions used to protect our customers, and 159 adds another key layer of security. Alongside Stop Scams UK, we will continue to fight fraudsters and protect customers from becoming victims to ruthless criminals.”

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