Halifax fraud team called from 0345 — how to tell if it's genuine
Had a missed call from a 0345 number that the AI internet check on this site flagged as a Halifax customer-services range. Halifax does outbound on 0345 numbers, so the prefix alone doesn't tell you whether the call is real or a spoof.
The two reliable tests we use ourselves:
1. Status check — Halifax's published fraud line is 0345 720 3040. Compare digit-for-digit against what you received. 2. The 159 callback — hang up and dial 159 from any UK landline or mobile. It connects you straight to Halifax's fraud team without going through any caller-controlled menu.
If the original call was genuine, the 159 callback will pick up the same case file. If it wasn't, you've cost the scammer nothing and yourself nothing. Read more at our 159 explainer and the bank scam calls UK guide.
4 replies
- Sarah M.6 days ago
This is exactly what got me last month. Halifax did call from 0345 720 3040 — turned out to be a genuine card-fraud alert — but I only knew because I dialled 159 first and they confirmed. Cannot recommend the 159 service highly enough.
- WCL EditorialEditor6 days ago
Heads up: the scam version of this script often spoofs 0345 720 3040 exactly. If the caller asks you to 'verify' by reading out a one-time code that has just been texted to you — hang up immediately. Halifax never asks for codes to be read aloud.
- Dean H.4 days ago
Question — does 159 work outside UK office hours? Was anxious to call back at 11pm.
- WCL EditorialEditor4 days ago
Yes — 159 routes to your bank's 24-hour fraud line, not customer services. Banks are required to staff fraud lines round the clock.
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