Starling Bank Launches UK-First AI Tool

Amid a surge in fraud cases, Starling Bank has introduced a UK-first AI tool designed to help customers detect purchase scams.

The ‘Scam Intelligence’ tool allows users to upload images of items and listings from online marketplaces, then analyzes them for potential fraud and provides personalized guidance.

Customers can submit images of products, listings, or messages from sellers, as well as screenshots of texts from anyone asking them to transfer money. The tool then flags possible warning signs in seconds.

For instance, if a customer is considering buying a bike on Facebook Marketplace, Scam Intelligence could highlight if the price seems unusually low, the ad image appears manipulated, or the seller’s bank details don’t match.

The tool seeks to provide customers with detailed fraud risk assessments, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their transactions.

Harriet Rees, CIO at Starling, said:  “With Scam Intelligence, Starling customers can better protect themselves from scams, and learn more about the warning signs too."

“Knowledge is power when it comes to managing and protecting your money, and we believe AI is giving our customers exactly that.”

The tool, which is available to personal, joint, and business account holders, represents the first time a UK bank has integrated an AI-powered scam detection feature directly into its app.

It follows the launch of the Spending Intelligence tool in June, which made Starling the first UK bank to provide customers with AI-driven insights.

The launch also comes as fraud in the UK reached £1.17 billion in 2024, with authorized push payment (APP) scams — where customers unknowingly approve payments to fraudsters — accounting for £450 million.

Starling Bank hopes Scam Intelligence will help reduce APP fraud by alerting customers to specific warning signs and providing guidance on what to watch for in future transactions.