In a significant move to combat the growing threat of financial scams, Charm Security, an innovative AI-powered scam defense platform, has officially joined forces with Give an Hour, a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to providing no-cost mental health services across the nation. This strategic alliance marks a pivotal moment in the fight against fraud, bringing together cutting-edge artificial intelligence with crucial human empathy and psychological expertise. The partnership aims to revolutionize scam prevention by not only fortifying digital defenses but also addressing the profound emotional and mental health consequences endured by victims.
The core of this collaboration involves Charm Security's commitment to integrating the raw, lived experiences of scam victims and their families, alongside insights from seasoned clinicians and psychologists, directly into the training of its advanced AI models. This unique approach is designed to bolster Charm Security's Human Vulnerabilities, Exposures, and Exploits (HVE) model. By understanding the intricate psychological tactics employed by scammers and the typical human responses to manipulation, the AI can develop sophisticated, real-time interventions. These interventions are meticulously crafted to "break the scam spell" – a crucial moment where potential victims can be alerted and protected before they incur substantial financial losses or suffer severe emotional distress.
Understanding the Devastating Human Cost of Scams
The repercussions of financial scams extend far beyond monetary losses, often inflicting severe psychological trauma. A compelling survey conducted by Lloyds Banking Group revealed that a staggering 69% of fraud victims reported experiencing significant mental health impacts, including heightened anxiety and a pervasive loss of trust in online platforms and digital interactions. Furthermore, the UK Home Office has documented a disturbing trend of scam victims developing depression, with some extreme cases even leading to suicidal thoughts or attempts. These statistics underscore the critical need for an integrated defense strategy that acknowledges and addresses both the financial and emotional vulnerabilities of individuals.
Scammers are master manipulators, preying on human emotions such as fear, greed, urgency, and even compassion. They often employ sophisticated social engineering techniques, creating elaborate narratives designed to bypass logical reasoning and exploit emotional triggers. This partnership directly confronts these psychological vulnerabilities by imbuing Charm Security’s AI with a deeper understanding of human behavior under duress. The goal is to detect these manipulative tactics early and intervene effectively, offering a protective shield against both the cunning of fraudsters and the ensuing mental health crisis.
Leadership Voices on the Unified Approach
Roy Zur, Co-Founder and CEO of Charm Security, emphasized the fundamental nature of the problem, stating, "Scams exploit human vulnerabilities, not just financial systems. By embedding victim and clinician experiences and voices into our AI, we can anticipate manipulative tactics, disrupt them in real time, and ensure prevention and healing go hand in hand." His perspective highlights the innovative synergy that arises when technological prowess is combined with an understanding of human psychology, moving beyond mere transaction monitoring to proactive, empathetic intervention.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Trina Clayeux, CEO of Give an Hour, articulated the broader impact of the collaboration. "For nearly two decades, Give an Hour has provided free mental health care to those in need," she noted. "By partnering with Charm, we can ensure scam victims receive both better protection from cutting-edge AI-based technology and the compassionate support they deserve from their financial institutions." Her statement underscores the commitment to holistic care, ensuring that individuals are not only safeguarded from scams but also receive vital mental health support in their aftermath.
Operational Integration and Comprehensive Support
The collaboration extends beyond AI model training to establish critical feedback loops that will deliver invaluable insights back to Give an Hour's extensive national mental health network. This continuous exchange of information will refine both scam prevention strategies and the provision of compassionate care for victims. Additionally, the partnership will enable Give an Hour to offer specialized training to financial institution teams. This training is designed to equip frontline workers with the knowledge and sensitivity required to better recognize and respond to the concerns of their customers who may be experiencing the trauma of scams and fraud.
This human-centric training complements Charm Security's innovative AI scam prevention agents and copilots. These AI tools are engineered to support frontline workers with real-time assistance, enabling them to detect and disrupt scams as they unfold. By combining advanced AI capabilities with trained human intervention, financial institutions can offer a multi-layered defense that is both efficient and empathetic, providing comprehensive protection to their clientele.
About Give an Hour
Founded in 2005, Give an Hour has built a remarkable legacy of service, leveraging the collective skills, experience, and profound compassion of mental health professionals, peer support facilitators, and various volunteers. Their mission is to provide crucial no-cost mental health services to those in need, particularly focusing on military servicemen and women, veterans, their families, and broader communities. To date, Give an Hour has facilitated over 400,000 hours of free mental health care, making an indelible impact on countless lives.
About Charm Security
Headquartered in the vibrant innovation hub of New York and established in 2024, Charm Security is a relatively new but impactful player in the fintech landscape. The company made a notable debut at FinovateFall 2025, where it showcased its groundbreaking AI capabilities. During the conference, Charm Security demonstrated how its sophisticated AI agents empower both users and frontline employees to proactively avoid scams, actively engage with users during suspicious transactions to "break the scam spell," and provide immediate, personalized post-scam support. This support includes vital services such as incident reporting, meticulous evidence collection, and guided recovery processes, providing a full spectrum of protection and assistance.
In conclusion, the partnership between Charm Security and Give an Hour represents a significant leap forward in combating financial scams. By merging advanced AI technology with invaluable mental health expertise, this collaboration creates a robust defense mechanism that protects individuals not only from financial exploitation but also from the often-overlooked emotional and psychological devastation that scams leave in their wake. It's a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in fostering a safer and more supportive digital environment.
