Montréal and Atlanta-based startup OnGuardAI has launched a new application in the United States designed to combat the rising tide of phone scams. The app leverages artificial intelligence to monitor calls in real-time, offering a new layer of protection for vulnerable individuals, particularly seniors. This timely launch on National Financial Awareness Day highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions against financial fraud.
Addressing a Growing Threat
Financial losses from fraud have surged, with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reporting a nearly 300 percent increase since 2020, totaling $643 million in 2024. Scammers frequently employ tactics like impersonating government officials or creating fake family emergencies to deceive their victims. This escalating problem underscores the vulnerability of individuals across all age groups to sophisticated fraudulent schemes.
The inspiration for OnGuardAI came from a personal experience of its co-founder and CEO, Richard Gotlieb, whose father was targeted by a scammer. This event led Gotlieb to recognize that awareness campaigns alone are often insufficient to prevent fraud. He understood that even educated individuals can be manipulated during a high-pressure, fraudulent call.
How the Technology Works
OnGuardAI's technology operates by analyzing the live audio of a phone call for known social engineering tactics. The system is trained to detect patterns of emotional pressure, urgency, and manipulation commonly used by fraudsters. This real-time analysis allows the application to identify potential threats as they unfold during the conversation.
A key feature distinguishing the service is its dual-alert system that notifies both the user and a designated family member. If suspicious activity is detected, an instant text message is sent with a list of red flags and recommended actions. This immediate intervention provides a critical opportunity for a trusted person to step in and prevent financial loss.
Privacy and Availability
OnGuardAI emphasizes user privacy by processing all data exclusively during the call itself. Co-founder Richard Gotlieb confirmed that once a call concludes, no recordings or transcripts are ever stored by the company. This commitment ensures that personal conversations remain confidential and secure from future access or breaches.
The application is now available in the United States on a subscription basis, but its Canadian launch is currently limited. Gotlieb explained that the business model is hindered by call forwarding fees charged by some major Canadian carriers. While compatible with Rogers-band networks, the team is actively working to expand availability through Bell and Telus.
The launch of OnGuardAI introduces a proactive defense mechanism against the growing sophistication of phone scams. By combining real-time AI analysis with a family-oriented alert system, the company offers a promising tool to safeguard financial assets. As fraudsters increasingly leverage AI, such innovative solutions will be crucial in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Source: betakit