Want to make sure it is your bank calling? Stop and call 159

There is a hotline phone number that has been launched for people to report and check financial scams as they happen.

A potential victim who dials 159 can be automatically connected to their bank's customer service and if needs be their fraud prevention service. So, anyone who receives a call or message from somebody claiming to be from a trusted organisation and who suggests money should be transferred is being urged to hang up and call 159.

The service is being promoted by Stop Scams UK - a coalition of banking and technology companies. Stop Scams UK and Global Cyber Alliance have launched the UK-wide 159 call service, which is designed to give consumers a safe route to contacting their banks.

The scheme is urging people to "stop, hang up and call 159" to check calls are for real. The idea is to help those who believe they have been contacted by scammers claiming to be their bank, or by fraudsters who encourage them to transfer money.

To further ensure the phone call, dial 159 on another phone, or you could call a friend's phone first and if they answer 'Hello Nationwide / Barclays / Lloyds' etc you know there's a problem. Alternatively, you could wait half an hour and try 159 on the same phone.