TLDRs;
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SK Telecom successfully blocks around 1.1 billion spam calls and phishing attempts in 2025 using advanced AI technology.
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Voice phishing cases in Korea decrease in number, but the average financial loss per case almost doubles.
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AI-powered filters efficiently prevent 250 million voice calls and 850 million spam text messages from reaching customers.
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Companies are encouraged to implement RCS verification to minimize false positives and protect customers from telecom fraud.
South Korea-based SK Telecom reported a significant milestone in its fight against telecom fraud in 2025, blocking roughly 1.1 billion attempted scams, including voice spam and phishing calls. The company’s stock (SKT) saw a slight gain following the announcement, reflecting investor optimism about the telco’s proactive anti-fraud measures.
The increase represents a 35% rise in blocked fraud attempts compared with 2024, highlighting the effectiveness of SK Telecom’s aggressive adoption of artificial intelligence. The telco’s AI model, introduced in 2024, monitors call patterns to detect suspicious numbers, even those not yet reported to authorities.
Voice phishing cases drop, losses rise
Despite the higher number of blocked attempts, Korea’s total voice phishing losses continued to climb. SK Telecom reported that losses exceeded 1 trillion won ($718 million) in the first 10 months of 2025, marking the first time annual losses crossed this threshold.
Interestingly, while the number of phishing cases fell from 30,982 in 2021 to 19,972 in the first 10 months of 2025, the average loss per case more than doubled, rising to 52.9 million won from 24.98 million won.
Experts attribute this trend to more sophisticated scam tactics, including fake identity verification apps that can spoof phone numbers, steal stored data, and track victims in real time. One reported case alone involved a victim losing 11 million won.
Authorities warn that blocking more calls does not always reduce overall losses, as scammers often prolong interactions to extract higher sums before the victim realizes the fraud.
AI blocks millions of spam calls and texts
SK Telecom’s AI defenses achieved 250 million blocked voice spam and phishing calls, a dramatic 119% year-on-year increase, alongside 850 million blocked spam text messages, up 22% from 2024.
By combining voice and text monitoring, the telco aims to protect its customers from evolving fraud tactics, even as criminals employ more advanced schemes. Analysts say these measures, while not eliminating losses entirely, demonstrate SK Telecom’s commitment to leveraging technology for consumer protection.
RCS verification expands customer trust
To further enhance messaging security, SK Telecom is encouraging businesses to register as Rich Communication Services (RCS) verified senders. Verified messaging displays a brand name, logo, and contact information instead of a traditional phone number, reducing the likelihood of customers falling for scams.
Approval for RCS verification typically takes four to six weeks, and the system now covers 68% of iOS devices and nearly all Android devices. SK Telecom recommends that companies running contact centers or using Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) integrate RCS alongside SMS fallback options, ensuring broader coverage across all carriers. Early adoption of RCS can help consumers distinguish legitimate messages from fraudulent ones.
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