Metro Bank has become the first bank in the UK to partner with Ask Silver, an award-winning AI-driven scam detection platform, in a bold move to combat rising fraud and enhance customer protection.
The collaboration introduces the Metro Bank Scam Checker, a cutting-edge tool powered by Ask Silver’s proprietary AI technology. Designed to support both personal and business customers, this service allows users to quickly and easily verify the legitimacy of suspicious communications—be it emails, websites, letters, or leaflets—via WhatsApp. By simply sharing a photo or screenshot of the suspect material through the Scam Checker, customers receive rapid feedback on whether it’s a scam, along with guidance on how to stay protected.
The AI engine not only flags potential fraud in a matter of minutes but also automatically reports confirmed scams to the relevant authorities, strengthening the broader fight against financial crime.
“This new partnership with Ask Silver is a game changer in protecting customers from fraud and helping to stop crime,” said Baz Thompson, Head of Fraud at Metro Bank. “Being able to offer a service where customers can know in minutes whether something is fraudulent provides an essential barrier to staying one step ahead of fraudsters.”
The initiative comes at a critical time. According to UK Finance, over £1 billion was lost to fraud in 2023, with scams accounting for more than 40% of all crimes in the UK. A significant share of these incidents originate online or through telecommunications, making quick, AI-enabled identification tools increasingly essential.
Metro Bank has emphasized that the new feature is free to use and reinforces its long-standing commitment to customer safety. The bank reiterated its official stance: it will never pressure customers to act urgently or request sensitive information such as passwords, passcodes, or transfers via email or unsecured platforms.
The origin of Ask Silver itself is rooted in a personal story. Co-founders Alex Somervell and Jonny Pryn created the platform after a family member of Alex’s lost £150,000 to a scam. “We’re thrilled to join forces with Metro Bank to empower its customers in the fight against fraud and scams,” said Somervell. “We’re building the most human-focussed anti-scam company and partnering with customer-centric institutions like Metro Bank is at the heart of our mission.”
With this first-of-its-kind partnership, Metro Bank not only strengthens its fraud prevention capabilities but also sets a new benchmark for customer-centric innovation in financial services.
