Martin Lewis, the well-known financial expert, has once again come to the rescue of bank customers with a simple yet effective tip to avoid falling victim to scammers. In a recent interview, Lewis shared a three-digit code that can potentially save people from losing their hard-earned money to fraudsters. This code, when dialed on your phone, can instantly block any fraudulent activity on your bank account, giving you peace of mind and protecting your finances.
In today’s digital age, scammers have become smarter and more sophisticated, making it difficult for people to protect themselves from financial fraud. According to a report by UK Finance, more than £1.2 billion was lost to banking fraud in 2019, with a significant increase in scams related to online and telephone banking. This alarming trend has left many people feeling vulnerable and anxious about their financial security. However, with Lewis’ latest tip, there is hope for bank customers to safeguard themselves from falling prey to these scams.
So what is this three-digit code that Lewis is urging people to dial? It’s simple – *#*# (star, hash, star, hash). This code, when entered on your phone’s keypad, will immediately disconnect any call in progress and prevent any further outgoing calls from your phone. This feature, known as the “call barring” function, is available on most mobile devices and can be activated by dialing the code followed by your phone’s security PIN. This PIN is usually set by default to 0000, but can be changed in your phone’s settings.
But how does this code help in protecting your bank account? Scammers often use a tactic called “number spoofing” where they manipulate their phone number to appear as a legitimate bank or financial institution on your caller ID. They then proceed to ask for personal information such as your account details or PIN, claiming to be from your bank. By dialing the *#*# code, you can immediately disconnect the call and prevent the scammer from gaining access to your sensitive information.
Lewis explains that this code is especially helpful for those who are not confident in identifying fraudulent calls and may be more susceptible to falling for these scams. He emphasizes that it is always better to be safe than sorry, and by using this code, you can protect yourself from potential financial losses.
The best part about this tip is that it is completely free and can be used by anyone with a mobile phone. In fact, Lewis has urged all banks to promote this feature to their customers as a precautionary measure against fraud. He also recommends setting up a password or a security question with your bank, so that in case of any suspicious activity, the bank can verify your identity before proceeding with any transactions.
Moreover, Lewis also advises people to be vigilant and not to share any personal information over the phone, even if the caller seems legitimate. He reminds us that banks and other financial institutions will never ask for your PIN or other sensitive information over the phone, so it is important to be cautious and not to fall for these tricks.
The response to this simple yet effective tip has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people expressing their gratitude to Lewis for sharing this valuable information. Some have even shared their personal experiences of being scammed and how this code could have potentially saved them from losing their money.
In a world where scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people, it is essential to stay one step ahead and take all necessary precautions to protect ourselves. Lewis’ tip is a small yet significant step towards this goal, and we should all make use of it to ensure the safety of our finances.
In conclusion, Martin Lewis’ three-digit code is a game-changer for bank customers, providing them with a simple and effective tool to protect themselves from scammers. It is a powerful reminder that with a little bit of awareness and precaution, we can safeguard our hard-earned money and avoid becoming victims of financial fraud. So the next time you receive a suspicious call, remember to dial *#*# and keep your finances safe.
