O2 has deployed a major new alert that all customers must look out for on their phones.
The mobile network has started scanning phone numbers for potential scam calls using AI in a bid to protect users from bank raiding attacks.
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Call Defence, powered by voice security firm Hiya, analyses call number behaviour in real-time looking for signs of a fraudster.
Some 16 per cent of Brits fell victim to phone scams last year, losing an average of £798 each, according to Hiya’s State of the Call report.
O2 says it is the first and only UK mobile operator to provide this service to customers at no extra cost.
The feature will popup on screens automatically when a potential dodgy call is detected.
It’ll roll out to Android users and iPhone owners using iOS 18 or later.
“Our AI-powered scam and spam call detection tool is the latest layer of defence we’re rolling out to help protect our customers from fraudsters,” said Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud at Virgin Media O2.
“We’re the first and only UK provider to give customers this innovative new tool for free, which will monitor call behaviour to provide customers greater clarity on who is calling and why, constantly adapting to help keep one step ahead of scammers.
“Whether we’re blocking calls and texts from fraudsters or rolling out Caller ID for trusted businesses, we’re working hard to stop scammers in their tracks.
“But with fraudsters forever evolving their tactics, customers can help us stay one step ahead by reporting suspected scam calls and texts to 7726.”
The latest effort follows O2’s AI granny that’s designed to get revenge on scam callers.
Daisy is a talking bot that picks up dodgy calls and wastes scammers’ time with human-like rambling.
The lifelike gran responds to the person on the other end, talking about things like family and knitting in real-time, as well as providing false personal information and made-up bank details.
It doesn’t detect and intercept scam calls as people receive them.
Instead, O2 has added Daisy’s phone number to so-called “mugs lists” used by scammers targeting UK consumers, helping to waste their time rather than calling real people.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
IF you’ve lost money in a scam, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or by visiting Actionfraud.police.uk.
You should also contact your bank or credit card provider immediatley to see if they can stop or trace the cash.
If you don’t think your bank has managed your complaint correctly, or if you’re unhappy with the verdict it gives on your case you can complain to the free Financial Ombudsman Service.
Also monitor your credit report in the months following the fraud to ensure crooks don’t make further attempts to steal your cash.
