Airtel strengthens bank fraud protections

Bharti Airtel has rolled out an AI-based system designed to cut bank fraud that relies on one-time passwords. The network-level tool, called Fraud Alert, listens for signs of social engineering while a customer is on a call and warns them in real time if they appear to be about to share an OTP for a banking transaction.

The service has launched first in Haryana and is due to reach all Airtel customers within two weeks, the company said. Airtel India MD and CEO Shashwat Sharma noted that while OTPs are central to digital security, criminals are increasingly tricking users into giving them up over the phone. Airtel claims internal trials showed high accuracy in spotting and blocking such scams. The move follows Airtel’s earlier launch, in May 2025, of a free AI-based fraud detection system to block access to malicious websites.