by A new fraud detection tool has been launched in the UK that allows users to upload a screenshot of suspicious text messages, emails or websites to check whether they are safe.
Ask Silver can be used within WhatsApp, appears like any other contact on the platforms as soon as a user logs in, and uses AI to immediately analyze whether the communication in question is a scam or not.
Once set up, a user is told whether the email, text message or website is safe and given suggestions for next steps, including the ability to report a scam.
Non-profit fraud protection group Get Safe Online has teamed up with the tool’s developers to make it available to the public and help raise awareness about protecting against online fraud.
This comes as rules come into force requiring paying and receiving banks and payment providers to jointly refund consumers who have lost money to fraud up to the value of £85,000.
Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online, said: “Despite new requirements for banks, it is vital that we all remain vigilant when it comes to fraud.”
“This fantastic new tool is revolutionary and we encourage people to download Ask Silver now, save it to their WhatsApp contact list and give it a try.”
“It’s so easy to use and if it saves you from getting scammed, what’s not to like?”
Alex Somervell, founder of Ask Silver, said: “In this digital age, where scams are becoming more sophisticated and fraudsters are highly sophisticated, we need to equip individuals with tools that increase their vigilance and enable them to live, shop without fear and to buy.”
“Ask Silver offers exactly that support and now, by partnering with Get Safe Online, we further strengthen our commitment to online safety and look forward to working with the team much more in the future.”
