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Starling Bank Adds Scam-Detection Tool to Mobile Banking Assistant
Starling Bank has expanded its in-app assistant with a scam-intelligence feature that asks customers questions about planned transfers. The tool, first introduced in 2025, now covers romance scams and other fraud types.
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Starling Bank has added a scam-detection function to its mobile banking assistant that questions customers about transfers that show signs of fraud. The feature is part of Starling Assistant, an in-app tool the bank launched in March 2026 that lets users ask questions about their accounts using voice or text.
The assistant now includes an expanded version of a scam-intelligence system the bank introduced in 2025 to flag fraudulent marketplace listings.
How the Tool Works When a customer mentions a transfer such as £3,000 for a plane ticket for a new partner, the assistant can identify possible romance-scam indicators. It then asks follow-up questions about how the individuals met, the length of the relationship, and why the partner cannot pay for the ticket.
The assistant states whether the transaction is likely fraudulent and recommends contacting the bank’s support team.
Harriet Rees, Starling Bank’s group chief information officer, said the goal is to prompt customers to ask simple questions before sending money. Lord Hanson, minister for fraud, said the government is investing £250 million in a new fraud strategy that includes efforts to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen victim protections.
