Airtel Introduces AI-Based OTP Fraud Alert to Tackle Rising Banking Scams

Digital fraud continues to surge across India, with OTP-related banking scams among the most common and damaging threats. To counter this growing risk, Bharti Airtel has launched a new AI-powered fraud alert system designed to protect customers from real-time OTP fraud during phone calls.

The newly introduced solution focuses on detecting and warning users about potential banking fraud while they are still on an active call, giving them a critical opportunity to avoid financial loss. The system has currently been launched in Haryana and will be rolled out across India over the next two weeks, according to Airtel.

How Airtel’s AI-Powered Fraud Alert System Works

Common OTP Scam Tactics Used by Fraudsters

In most OTP-based scams, fraudsters impersonate trusted individuals such as:

• Delivery agents

• Customer support executives

• Service representatives

These fake agents manipulate victims into sharing OTPs related to banking or financial transactions. Once the OTP is disclosed, the fraudster can gain unauthorised access to the victim’s bank account, leading to financial losses.

Real-Time Detection and Alerts During Calls

Airtel’s AI-backed system operates directly at the network level. When the system detects that a bank OTP is mentioned during a potentially suspicious incoming call, it instantly triggers a fraud alert for the customer.

The alert warns users that sharing OTPs for banking transactions during the call may be unsafe, encouraging them to stop, reassess the situation, and avoid sharing sensitive information.

By combining artificial intelligence with real-time intervention, the system helps close a critical security gap often exploited by scammers.

AI Intelligence Meets Network-Level Protection

Unlike traditional fraud warnings that occur after damage is done, Airtel’s latest system works proactively. The AI continuously analyses call patterns and contextual signals to identify risky interactions as they happen.

This real-time approach allows customers to:

• Pause before acting

• Verify the caller’s identity

• Avoid falling victim to psychological manipulation

The system strengthens user awareness at the exact moment fraud is most likely to occur.

Airtel’s Broader Push Toward AI-Driven Cybersecurity

Existing AI Security Measures

Over the past two years, Airtel has steadily expanded its AI-driven security infrastructure. Key initiatives already deployed include:

• Spam call alerts

• Malicious link blocking

• Early-stage fraud detection systems

These tools aim to prevent scams before customers suffer financial or data loss.

Proven Impact on Cybercrime Reduction

According to a report by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Airtel’s fraud detection solutions have delivered measurable results.

• Financial losses on the Airtel network were reduced by nearly 68.7% last year

• Cybercrime incidents on the network declined by around 14.3% during the analysed period

These figures highlight the effectiveness of AI-based interventions in curbing large-scale digital fraud.

Airtel CEO on the New AI Fraud Alert System

“Our newly developed, AI-powered, autonomous solution operates proactively at network level and is engineered to detect and intervene against fraudulent activity in real-time. Extensive trials have demonstrated a remarkable level of accuracy and impact in preventing the menace of such scams,” said Shashwat Sharma, Managing Director & CEO, Airtel.

Why the New Fraud Alert System Matters

Despite improvements in cybersecurity, fraudsters continue to exploit:

• Fake identities

• Social engineering techniques

• Psychological pressure tactics

Airtel’s newly launched AI-powered Fraud Alert system represents another major step toward strengthening customer protection by addressing fraud while it is happening, rather than after the damage is done.

With its upcoming nationwide rollout, the system is expected to play a key role in reducing OTP-based banking scams across India.