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Money saving expert Martin Lewis has shared an important three digit number scamming victims need to know. The MoneySavingExpert.com founder has been a leading voice in the fight against criminal schemes targeting unsuspecting Britons, with fraudsters using increasingly ingenious tactics to try and steal cash.
Mr Lewis has even had to warn fans to be aware of scams that use his likeness in an attempt to capitalise on his status as a trusted source of personal finance advice. In a post on X on Thursday, July 23, he put the word out about what to do if you get a call that claims to be from your bank but you’re not sure if it’s genuine. He wrote: “Pls spread word. Three digits can help protect you from scams: 159. If you’re suspicious of a ‘call from your bank’, politely hang up and dial 159.”
Mr Lewis explained that the number “connects you to a switchboard that puts you through to your bank’s real number”. In a video accompanying the message, he explained the benefits of the approach.
You can report “misleading websites, emails, phone numbers, phone calls or text messages you think may be suspicious” to help others being hit with similar rouses.
Suspicious emails should be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk and The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will look into it.
Suspicious text messages can be forwarded to 7726 free of charge, and your reporting the message to your mobile phone provider.
You may also encounter fake or misleading adverts, which should be reported to the Advertising Standards Authority.
Additionally, you can report scam or misleading adverts to Google if you found them in its search results or report to Bing if you found them in theirs, the GOV.UK website explains.
“Contact Report Fraud if you think you’ve lost money or been hacked because of an online scam or fraud and you’re in England or Wales,” it adds.
You can either report online or call 0300 123 2040. Victims of scams who are in Scotland report the crime to Police Scotland, it explains.
Scammers have also been known to impersonate Government departments like HMRC, which recently issued a warning to Britons to be aware of them.
