District pilots AI voice phishing detection and alert system for 100 digitally vulnerable residents; app analyzes call audio and conversation content in real time, including deepfake voice detection
Songpa-gu in Seoul is deploying artificial intelligence to protect elderly residents from voice phishing scams.
The district announced it will pilot an "AI-based real-time voice phishing detection and alert system" targeting 100 digitally vulnerable residents, including senior citizens.
Voice phishing countermeasures have been shifting toward proactively detecting and blocking tools used in such crimes. According to the Korean National Police Agency, voice phishing incidents fell 46 percent and financial losses dropped 53 percent in the January–July period this year compared with the same period last year. Police attributed the decline in part to AI-assisted preemptive blocking of phone numbers suspected of criminal use, as well as stronger responses to malicious apps and phishing sites.
In response, Songpa-gu will conduct a real-world trial targeting elderly residents using VoiceShield, an AI-based voice phishing detection app developed by Metacrowd Co. — a company selected for the Testbed Seoul program.
Testbed Seoul is a Seoul Metropolitan Government initiative that gives companies the opportunity to test and validate innovative technologies and products in actual public facilities and urban environments.
Once installed on a smartphone, the app uses AI to analyze voice patterns and conversation content in real time during calls. It first examines audio data to determine whether the voice has been manipulated by AI or is a deepfake. It then scores the likelihood that a call is criminal in nature based on its content, and if a risk is detected, sends the user a warning notification and message prompting them to end the call.
Before the app rollout, the district will run educational sessions to strengthen seniors' ability to respond to actual scam attempts. Information sessions are scheduled for Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at Munjeong Senior Welfare Center and Thursday at 10 a.m. at Songpa Senior Welfare Center, where staff will explain recent voice phishing tactics, demonstrate the app's features, and walk attendees through prevention measures. Those who consent to participate will receive help installing the app and training on how to use it.
During the pilot period, the district will hold quarterly simulated call drills that replicate real scam scenarios, allowing users to practice recognizing app warnings and responding appropriately to build their readiness.
A help desk will also operate to minimize inconvenience for users. Telephone consultations will be available on weekdays during business hours, while KakaoTalk will handle usage inquiries and technical issues outside those hours.
Through June next year, the district plans to evaluate detection performance and ease of use based on actual usage data, incorporate participant feedback to refine the system, and then decide whether to continue operating it on a permanent basis.
"As voice phishing tactics grow increasingly sophisticated, proactive measures that alert people to danger before harm occurs are essential," Songpa-gu District Mayor Seo Gang-seok said. "We will actively apply new technologies to everyday safety services so that seniors — who often struggle with digital tools — can get real help when they face financial fraud."
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