Martin Lewis urges everyone with a bank account to dial 3-digit number

Money-saving expert has a hot tip for bank customers to combat - just dial 159. In his latest effort to tackle fraud, he's spreading the word about this simple three-digit lifeline.

In a video posted on X, Martin explains how the number works: "If you get a call from your bank, you're not sure it's really them, they're asking for personal details, you're a little bit worried. Just say 'I'm going to call you back via your switchboard, (hang up) and dial 159. This is done as an anti-scam and anti-fraud initiative so that you can always get through to a legitimate number without having to look it up.

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"Just remember 159." The service, run by StopScamsUK, connects callers directly to their bank's legitimate switchboard after an operator inquires which bank they wish to speak with. It's a major move against fraud, covering 21 banking and building society brands, which accounts for 99 per cent of the UK market.

This includes big names like , , HSBC, Halifax, Lloyds, Monzo, Nationwide, , Revolut and , reports .

The number 159 stands out as it cannot be spoofed or impersonated, ensuring that scammers can't use it to call you back and pose as your bank.

Since its launch, over 800,000 calls have been made to the hotline, which offers connections to major telecom companies such as BT, O2, Sky, Three, Vodafone, TalkTalk and Virgin.

Devised by StopScamsUK in 2021, this line serves as "a memorable simple way to connect UK banking customers safely and securely with their bank".

Its creators affirm that it effectively disrupts the scam 'journey' at the most critical point when individuals are most vulnerable to being coerced into authorising a payment.