Metro Bank has partnered with developer Ask Silver to launch an AI scam detector which can tell users and businesses over WhatsApp if they have received a fraudulent message.
Customers can message a screenshot of any email, website, letter or leaflet that they suspect may be a scam to the ‘Metro Bank Scam Checker’.
The AI-powered tool will assess the content and, if it detects suspicious activity, will automatically report it to the correct authorities on the customer’s behalf. It also provides guidance on how to stay safe moving forward.
“This new partnership with Ask Silver is a game changer in protecting customers from fraud and helping to stop crime,” said Baz Thompson, head of fraud, Metro Bank.
“We take the security of our customers very seriously and constantly review how we can help them fight fraud.”
Lloyds Bank secures cybersecurity patent to reduce false positive alerts
“Criminals often play on urgency and speed to trick people into parting ways with their hard-earned cash. Being able to offer a service where customers can know in minutes whether something is fraudulent provides an essential barrier to staying one step ahead of fraudsters.”
Metro Bank AI scam detector
Figures from UK Finance show that more than £1 billion was lost to fraud, including scams, in 2023. Over four in ten crimes reported in the UK last year were categorised as fraud or scams.
More than 75% of push payment fraud incidents originated online, with 16% traced back to telecommunications networks.
Ask Silver’s founders were motivated to develop the platform after a close family member was defrauded of £150,000—most of their life savings.
“We’re thrilled to join forces with Metro Bank to empower its customers in the fight against fraud and scams,” said co-founder Alex Somervell.
“We want to work together with banks, public institutions and the public to keep our loved ones safe, as well as their hard-earned money.”
