Scammers are cunning, and they’re always one step ahead—or at least that’s how it feels. But what if the tables were turned? What if we could catch scammers before they even had a chance to act? That’s the promise of behavioural biometrics, a sophisticated technology that is quietly working to protect us every time we bank online.

The Bugle has been reporting on the rise of scams in our community for months. We’ve spoken to victims, explored prevention strategies, and highlighted the human cost of fraud.

But this week, we turn our focus to the tools fighting back—and the latest is truly ground-breaking.

BioCatch, a global leader in behavioural biometrics, has just rolled out a world-first initiative right here in Australia. The BioCatch Trust™ Network is a collaboration with major banks, including ANZ, Westpac, and Commonwealth Bank, to share real-time intelligence about fraudulent behaviour.

Essentially, this technology watches how people interact with their devices. Are you moving your mouse the way you usually do? Typing at your usual speed? Even tiny changes in how you scroll or click can flag a potential scam.

These insights might sound like science fiction, but they’re already delivering results. In 2023 alone, BioCatch helped banks in the Asia-Pacific region shut down over 150,000 money mule accounts—accounts fraudsters use to launder stolen funds. The technology doesn’t just spot fraud; it stops it before it happens.

Closer to home, it’s a welcome development. We’ve seen heartbreaking stories of locals losing their savings to scammers posing as trusted organisations. Whether it’s a fake message claiming to be from the ATO or a fraudulent charity appeal, the consequences are devastating.

But there’s reason to feel hopeful. The new Trust Network means that if one bank detects a suspicious pattern, it can alert others, creating a united front against fraud. This is protection that doesn’t just wait for the worst to happen; it prevents it from ever reaching our accounts.

Of course, technology isn’t a cure-all. Experts remind us that personal vigilance is still key.

• Don’t click on unexpected links.
• Verify the source of any communication that asks for your details.
• And remember, no legitimate organisation will ever pressure you to act immediately.

The fight against scammers is far from over, but behavioural biometrics show that the balance of power is shifting. For once, the good guys are catching up—and maybe even pulling ahead.