Martin Lewis has encouraged bank customers to dial a straightforward three-digit code in a bid to slash the number of people falling victim to scams. He posted a video on X (formerly Twitter ) in May, outlining the importance of the number, which is 159.

If you receive a call from someone purporting to be your bank but you're concerned it might be fraudulent, you can dial the number to be connected directly to the genuine bank without any fuss.

Lewis explained: "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 legitima

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