The new Call Defence service uses AI to analyse call number behaviour to check whether it could be a scam or spam call – and it will alert you if it thinks a call looks dodgy
O2 has launched a new free feature that could help protect you from scam and nuisance calls.
The new Call Defence service uses AI to analyse call number behaviour to check whether it could be a scam or spam call. If it thinks a call looks dodgy, it will then alert the customer to any risk before they pick it up. The new technology, powered by voice security leader Hiya, is being rolled out to O2 customers on pay monthly custom plans, pay monthly SIM-only plans and business customers.
It comes after O2 launched new caller identification technology earlier this year, known as Brand ID, that displays caller information after it verifies the company making the call. The telecoms giant also used AI to create a human-like “granny” called Daisy to answer calls in real time from fraudsters, keeping them on the phone and away from real customers for as long as possible. EE has also launched an AI scam call detector but it charges £1 for this service.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud at Virgin Media O2, said: “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. 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.”
Kush Parikh, President of Hiya, said: “We’re excited to partner with O2 to bring innovative AI-powered scam protection to millions of customers across the UK via their Call Defence service. By leveraging Hiya’s Adaptive AI technology and offering it to its customers for free, O2 is setting a new standard in protecting people and businesses from fraudulent and nuisance calls. Together, we’re empowering consumers to take back control of their phones, helping them stay safe and informed while blocking bad actors in real time.”
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you suspect a scammer is calling you, hang up immediately and search for the contact details online of the place you’re supposedly being called from. Never call back the number provided by the caller. Contact your bank straight away if you think a fraudster has got access to your account. You can call the 159 hotline, which will connect you to your bank.
Passwords that have been leaked or compromised should be changed immediately. Make sure you report scams and fraud to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or through the Action Fraud website. If you’re in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or on the Advice Direct Scotland website. You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101. For scam emails, forward them to [email protected], and for scam text messages, forward them to 7726 for free. You can report dodgy websites to the National Cyber Security Centre.
