India’s largest telecom operator, Bharti Airtel has introduced an AI-powered fraud detection system aimed at curbing one of the most common digital scams in the country—fraudsters tricking users into sharing bank OTPs over phone calls. The company said the new feature sends real-time alerts to customers if a banking OTP is received while they are on what the network identifies as a suspicious call.
According to Airtel, the solution works at the network level and does not require users to download any application or change device settings. The feature is currently undergoing pilot testing in Haryana and is expected to roll out nationwide within the next two weeks.
How the system works
The AI-powered system scans for specific red flags during an ongoing call. These include patterns linked to common scam tactics — such as callers impersonating bank officials, delivery agents or customer care representatives — followed by the arrival of a legitimate banking OTP on the same number. If these signals match known fraud indicators, Airtel pushes an on-screen alert warning users not to share the OTP. The alert appears in real time while the call is still active.
The company said the AI engine analyses multiple parameters simultaneously, including call origin patterns, OTP timing and behavioural indicators associated with documented fraud methods.
Unlike app-based fraud protection tools, the system operates entirely at the telecom network level. As a result, it is accessible to all users, including those using basic smartphones, without additional configuration.
“We’re on a mission to make Airtel the safe network,” said Shashwat Sharma, MD and CEO of Airtel India, describing the initiative as part of the company’s broader AI-driven fraud prevention strategy.
Over the past two years, Airtel has deployed AI tools for spam call labelling and malicious link detection. However, voice-based social engineering scams involving OTPs have continued to pose challenges.
Industry-wide push against digital fraud
Telecom operators have strengthened anti-spam measures following tighter regulatory oversight from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
Reliance Jio labels suspicious calls as “Suspected Spam” before they connect, while Vodafone Idea offers its Vi Protect suite that tags spam calls and blocks malicious SMS links.
However, Airtel’s latest initiative specifically links suspicious call detection with OTP delivery during an active call, aiming to intervene at the moment a potential fraud attempt is underway.
OTP scams have surged alongside the rapid adoption of UPI and digital banking in India. While banks routinely send SMS advisories cautioning customers against sharing OTPs, those warnings are typically generic. Airtel’s system, by contrast, triggers contextual alerts during a suspicious call—attempting to add a real-time safeguard at the point when users are most vulnerable.
