TDRA unveils AI-powered 'digital fraud hunter' to combat online scams

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) yesterday launched the “Digital Fraud Hunter” initiative — an AI-powered smart tool designed to help digital platform users verify suspicious messages in a simple, fast, and secure manner. The initiative aims to protect users from falling victim to digital fraud, enhance digital literacy, and promote caution when dealing with electronic messages.

In posts on its social media accounts, the TDRA explained that if a user receives a message suspected to be fraudulent, they should visit the TDRA website to verify its authenticity, access the Digital Fraud Hunter service, upload an image of the message, select the language, and click to analyze it.

Within seconds, the results will appear. If the message is deemed suspicious, the user will receive an analysis and recommendations. If the message appears safe, the tool will still advise users to remain cautious and avoid sharing any personal information.

The TDRA stated that the initiative aims to detect and combat fraud in the telecommunications sector, leveraging AI technologies to analyze data and identify suspicious patterns. This contributes to enhancing digital security, protecting users through rapid and effective detection of fraudulent activities, increasing trust in the digital space, and improving incident response — all with the goal of reducing fraud rates and strengthening safety and transparency in digital transactions.

The Authority emphasized that all data is completely secure when using the service. No login is required, and no personal information is requested — only an image of the message. The analysis is carried out with full security and privacy. The TDRA urged users to analyze any message that raises suspicion and share the results with family and friends, noting that user awareness also protects others.

It further stressed that the Digital Fraud Hunter is an advisory tool and that digital awareness and vigilance remain the first line of defense. Users are advised not to click on any links, not to open attachments, to verify messages through the initiative, and to watch for warning signs such as prize offers, requests for data sharing, and especially never to share one-time passwords (OTPs) or any confidential information under any circumstances.

The TDRA confirmed it continuously monitors evolving fraud tactics and the new methods and phrases used by scammers. It also collaborates actively with public and private sectors, including telecom companies and technology entities, and takes user feedback seriously as an essential element in enhancing system efficiency.

Fraud is evolving—defenses are too.

External fraud—a predicate offence to money laundering—presents significant challenges to organizations worldwide. An essential part of mitigating fraud-related risks is understanding who you’re doing business with, including hidden connections.

It’s important to verify that individuals and entities are who they claim to be during know your customer (KYC) activity and corporate onboarding. And, if a fraud-related risk occurs during the lifecycle of a relationship, continuous monitoring and timely alerts can support a swifter response.