A recent rise in scams involving phone calls from supposed financial advisors has raised concerns about the increasing sophistication of fraudsters. These individuals often report suspicious activity on an account, urging victims to act quickly. However, the correct response is to hang up and contact the bank directly using a known number. This is the key message of the Observatory for the Security of Payment Means (OSMP), which aims to simplify this process in its 2025 annual report. According to the Bank of France, fraud through manipulation reached 516 million euros in 2025, a 34% increase from the previous year. This type of fraud now accounts for 41.6% of all payment method fraud, with 376 million euros coming from transfers made by victims under pressure from fraudsters. To combat this, the idea of using a short, fixed number to contact banks directly is gaining attention. In the United Kingdom, the number 159 has been used since late 2021 to help victims of scams reach anti-fraud services without relying on the fraudster’s phone line. This number is managed by Stop Scams UK, a coalition of banks, telecom providers, and technology companies. It is now used by over 99% of current accounts at UK retail banks, from Barclays to Revolut. The principle is straightforward: the number 159 never calls anyone, ensuring that victims can reach their bank securely by making an outgoing call. France is not starting from scratch in this regard. Since the end of 2024, a mechanism called Number Authentication (MAN) has been used to block calls from unverified numbers, making it harder for fraudsters to impersonate official agencies. However, this does not stop fraudsters who use legitimate French phone lines. A short number could address this gap by providing a secure, fixed contact point for all banks. The French Banking Federation is currently analyzing the feasibility of such a system, which was also recommended in the 2024 OSMP report. While the exact number, cost, and timeline remain unclear, the concept is already in use across the Channel and has proven effective in the UK. The success of this approach depends on public awareness and the willingness of people to hang up on suspicious calls. This is the main challenge, as fraudsters are skilled at pressuring victims into acting quickly. In the UK, repeated public campaigns were needed to establish this habit. While the idea of a short number is simple and tested, it is still not in place in France. Nonetheless, it offers a promising solution to a growing problem, especially for those who may be less familiar with digital security. The key takeaway remains clear: when in doubt, hang up and call your bank directly using a known number.