Airtel's Strategic Embrace of AI to combat SMS fraud on a large-scale basis
In the bustling telecom landscape of Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria has introduced an innovative solution to combat the growing issue of SMS scams. The AI-powered Spam Alert Service, recognised as Africa's first of its kind, has proven to be highly effective in safeguarding users from potential fraud[1][3].
Over the course of just two months (March to May 2025), the system intercepted an impressive 9.6 million suspicious text messages[3]. This service operates silently and automatically for users, scanning every incoming SMS in real-time and processing each message in under two milliseconds[1][2]. It analyses more than 250 parameters such as sender behaviour, message volume, geographic dispersion, and known spam activity[1].
Unlike traditional spam blockers, Airtel’s AI service does not inspect message content, thus preserving user privacy while still accurately flagging potentially malicious messages as "Suspected SPAM" before delivery[1][2]. This approach covers a broad spectrum of spam sources, including messages originating from within Airtel's network and off-network senders, addressing the widespread nature of SMS fraud in Nigeria[1].
The service, which is free and automatically available to all Airtel users, sends real-time alerts when suspicious activity is detected[1]. This proactive approach contributes to safer and more trustworthy mobile communications in Nigeria[2][3].
The telecom sector in Nigeria processed a total of 22.97 billion SMS messages in 2023[1]. SMS remains the primary channel for banking alerts, government updates, and OTPs for millions in Nigeria. However, the widespread nature of SMS scams, as revealed by a survey conducted in 2024, shows how common "smishing" has become[1]. The survey revealed that 58% of digital financial services users in 24 states of Nigeria had received a scam SMS or phone call asking for sensitive information[1].
While many scams target low amounts, losses of over $100 per victim have been reported[1]. Strict internal controls and regulatory audits are in place at Airtel to prevent misuse, and all data is encrypted and processed according to industry standards by Airtel's AI Spam Alert Service[1].
In response to the rising issue of SMS scams, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) introduced stricter rules in July 2025 for bulk SMS senders[1]. Any organization offering bulk SMS services in Nigeria must now secure a ₦10 million ($6,540) license valid for five years[1].
The surge in SMS scams and Africa's rising smartphone penetration made the introduction of the AI Spam Alert Service necessary and urgent, according to Airtel's CEO, Dinesh Balsingh[1]. He emphasized Airtel's ongoing commitment to digital security and fraud prevention in the country's dynamic telecom landscape[4][5].
[1] Source: Airtel Nigeria Press Release, May 2025 [2] Source: TechCabal, May 2025 [3] Source: ThisDay, May 2025 [4] Source: ITWeb Africa, June 2025 [5] Source: BusinessDay, June 2025
- In the midst of Nigeria's rapidly evolving technology industry, the finance sector is increasingly relying on cybersecurity measures, such as Airtel Nigeria's AI-powered Spam Alert Service, to safeguard mobile communications from SMS scams, especially with banking alerts being primary via SMS.
- The telecom landscape in Nigeria, with its high smartphone penetration, is a ripe environment for artificial intelligence (AI) integration, as demonstrated by Airtel's AI Spam Alert Service, which effectively addresses the growing issue of SMS scams, like smishing, that often target sensitive information.
- The telecom industry, including mobile service providers, must prioritize cybersecurity in response to the escalating problem of SMS scams, as indicated by the Nigerian Communications Commission's (NCC) stricter rules for bulk SMS senders and Airtel's commitment to digital security and fraud prevention.
- As mobile devices become more prevalent in everyday life, the necessity for advanced technology like AI in cybersecurity solutions, such as Airtel's Spam Alert Service, continues to grow in order to protect users from financial losses due to SMS scams and preserve user privacy.
