EE has announced a significant upgrade to its Scam Guard service, available to all pay-monthly mobile customers for an additional £2 per month. This enhanced protection comes as cyber scams continue to rise, with millions of pounds lost daily in the UK. The upgrade leverages advanced AI technology to block increasingly sophisticated attacks.
Why Consider the Upgrade?
Since its initial launch in 2024, Scam Guard has already prevented over 169 million scam and spam attempts. EE expects the upgraded version to at least double that figure over the next 12 months, making it a worthwhile investment for those concerned about digital security.
Key Features of the Enhanced Scam Guard
The core of the new service is the AI Triple-Lock Protection, powered by Norton's Genie AI engine. This includes:
- Safe Email: 24/7 proactive scam protection for email inboxes.
- Safe SMS: Advanced AI detection of sophisticated scams in text messages, offering real-time protection.
- Safe Web: AI-driven protection while shopping or browsing online, blocking malicious sites before they cause harm.
Additionally, the upgrade introduces Scam Assistant, allowing customers to upload screenshots of suspicious texts, emails, websites, social media messages, or QR codes for instant safety advice. Social Media Monitoring and Dark Web Monitoring track suspicious activity across a customer's online footprint, sending immediate alerts for swift action.
Industry Response
Malcolm Cubitt, Director of Product, Mobile at EE, commented: “Fraud in the UK is at a record high, with AI making scams more convincing and harder to detect. As these threats evolve, we continue to adapt as the UK’s best network—constantly seeking new and innovative ways to protect and support our customers. This includes leading industry alliances, investing in network-level controls, and employing a dedicated team of security experts. And now with our newly enhanced Scam Guard service, we’re providing customers with an even greater level of cyber security protection.”
The £2 monthly fee may seem like an added cost, but EE emphasizes that the improved protection justifies the expense, particularly for users who frequently encounter scam attempts.
