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starling bank has launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool to help customers detect if they are about to be scammed.
The digital bank said it is the first facility of its kind to be launched by a UK bank.
Starling customers can upload images of items, listings and messages from sellers on online marketplaces to the Scam Intelligence tool in the app.
It will analyze pictures for signs of fraud before sending personalized guidance on whether it’s safe to proceed with a purchase.
The tool is built using Google’s generative AI model Gemini, and uses Starling’s systems to provide risk assessments.
For example, a customer can upload a screenshot of a bike they saw listed on Facebook market.
The tool may then detect that the price seems too good to be true, the image in the ad is not real, or the bank account details do not match the seller.
It can also flag whether a seller has refused to use the platform’s secure payment features, or detect if they are pressuring the buyer to transfer funds quickly.
The app feature can be used by personal and business account customers.
Starling said that through its test phrase, the tool increased the rate at which customers cancel marketplace payments by 300%.
It is the latest bank to take steps to tackle authorized push payment (APP) fraud, where people unknowingly approve payments to scammers.
Recent data from uk finance It revealed that the total amount lost to app fraud in the first half of 2025 was £275.5 million – a 12% increase on the same period last year.
According to the figures, the average loss in a purchase scam was £661.
Harriet Rees, Chief Information Officer at Starling, said: “With Scam Intelligence, Starling customers can better protect themselves from scams, and also learn more about the warning signs.
“Knowledge is power when it comes to managing and protecting your money, and we believe AI is giving our customers exactly that.”
fraud minister god hanson Said: “Fraud is cruel, and it is vital that every organization supports people to avoid scams.
“I welcome Starling’s new tool, which is a great example of how AI can be used in the fight against fraud.”