BT’s Enhanced Call Protect on Digital Voice Blocks Millions of Scam and Spam Calls

BT has made a significant stride in protecting its customers from scam and spam calls with the introduction of Enhanced Call Protect on Digital Voice. Since the launch in May 2024, the new scam protection service has already blocked over 2,430,000 scams and identified 17,700,000 spam calls to landlines.

Digital Voice, BT’s home phone service powered by broadband, now includes an AI-powered tool that monitors incoming calls and alerts users of any suspected spam calls. With Machine Learning technology, Hiya, the service provider, can enhance its scam detection capabilities, blocking over 46,500 scam calls in a single day.

Data from Hiya reveals that UK residents received an average of three spam calls per month from January to June 2024, with a staggering 195 million spam calls per month reported. In response to this growing issue, approximately 2.5 million BT customers have already benefited from the new call vetting service, with expectations to double this number as more customers transition to digital landlines.

Customers using Digital Voice will now receive visual warnings on their phones when a potential spam call is detected, allowing them to reject or accept the call accordingly. Scam calls are automatically redirected to junk voicemail, safeguarding customers from potential fraud attempts. Additionally, legitimate calls from registered businesses will display their names for verification.

BT’s commitment to customer security is further emphasized by Lucy Baker MBE, BT Consumer’s All-IP Director, who stresses the importance of shielding customers from unwanted calls. CEO of Hiya, Alex Algard, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the success of the technology in blocking fraud and spam calls.

As the UK transitions from analogue to digital landlines, BT continues to roll out Digital Voice across the country, aiming to future-proof its landline network. With the rise of malicious calls, BT advises customers to remain vigilant and provides tips to avoid falling victim to voice scams. Overall, BT’s Enhanced Call Protect on Digital Voice is a crucial step towards protecting customers and enhancing their phone call experience.