Savi’s App Shields Consumers from Realistic AI Ransom Scams and Kidnapping Threats
Image Credits:Savi Security
Coughlin Brothers Launch Savi Security to Combat AI-Generated Scams
Brothers Patrick and Ryan Coughlin, both seasoned professionals in the technology sector, have taken a significant step into the world of cybersecurity with the launch of Savi Security. Patrick has an extensive background in national cyber defense, previously holding positions at Splunk and Cisco, while Ryan has worked on consumer products at Apple and Spotify. Their new startup is designed to protect individuals from a rising tide of highly convincing AI-generated scams, whether they come through texts, emails, or phone calls.
Significant Seed Funding for a Promising Venture
Savi Security recently secured $7 million in seed funding, with the investment round led by Acrew Capital and co-invested by Magnify Ventures, TTCER, and Resolute Ventures. A major milestone in the company’s journey is the anticipated launch of their app for both iPhone and Android on Tuesday.
Inspiration from a Personal Crisis
The motivation behind Savi Security stems from a harrowing personal incident involving Patrick Coughlin’s mother. Approximately two years ago, she received a phone call claiming that her daughter had been kidnapped. The caller, accurate in mimicking her daughter’s number and voice while referencing familiar local landmarks, demanded a ransom of $1,200. Thankfully, she remained composed enough to call her daughter directly and discovered that she was safe. It was a chilling AI-generated scam.
This distressing event made Patrick keenly aware of the evolving landscape of cybercrime. He pondered, “What has fundamentally changed in the underlying cybercriminal economy that we can now leverage the same sophistication aimed at government entities and Fortune 500 companies, now targeting consumers?”
The Role of AI in Modern Scams
The answer lies in the accessibility of powerful machine-learning models and generative AI tools. Historically, scams aimed at consumers weren’t financially viable due to the need for comprehensive research and advanced technology to spoof identities. However, the advent of AI has drastically lowered both the financial cost and the barrier to entry for cybercriminals.
“Consumers are facing a new reality with AI tools in the hands of cybercriminals,” Coughlin warns. “The costs to commit such frauds have become minimal, and the resources needed for research are ubiquitous.” Voice cloning, for instance, can now be accomplished with just three seconds of audio from a public social media post, making the potential for deception alarmingly high.
Scams on the Rise
Recent reports from the FTC indicate that Americans lost a staggering $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025—three times the losses reported in 2020. While older Americans are often the primary victims, studies suggest that Gen Z is increasingly vulnerable. A 2025 study by Malwarebytes noted that Gen Z fell for text-based scams roughly 25% of the time, raising concerns about their susceptibility to this form of fraud.
Creating a Real-Time Intervention Tool
To address this issue, the Coughlin brothers developed a simple yet innovative real-time intervention tool. They first tested this concept by launching Scamwise, an anonymous website that allows users to upload suspicious texts, images, or emails for analysis without requiring registration. The platform quickly gained traction, accumulating over 100,000 submissions in just four months.
Scamwise served as a valuable source of real-world data to improve Savi’s AI-powered scam detection model. The company primarily employs Google’s Gemini for its algorithms but has structured its software to leverage various AI models as needed, including those for specific voice detection.
Launching Savi Security’s App
On Tuesday, Savi Security unveiled its paid product: a consumer app for both iOS and Android that screens texts, voicemails, and incoming calls for potential scams. Although several products like Malwarebytes offer similar functionalities, Savi’s standout feature is its live-call monitoring capability.
During suspicious calls, users can invite Savi’s live agent to listen in. The AI analyzes the conversation for signs of deceit while the dialogue is ongoing, allowing for immediate risk assessment.
Affordability and Family Coverage
Savi’s pricing structure is also noteworthy; it charges $8 monthly or offers an annual plan for $63 that covers an entire family with no user cap. This broad coverage makes it easy for one subscription to protect multiple family members, whether they are children, siblings, or even tech-challenged relatives who need guidance.
The New Era of Fraud
Coughlin points out that AI is not just empowering organized crime; it also makes it easier for average individuals to engage in fraudulent activities. “AI has lowered the barrier to deception significantly,” he explains. This environment is not only fostering professional criminals but also enticing ordinary people to partake in fraud.
Savi Security aims to counter this evolution in cybercrime with a new generation of anti-virus-style software, utilizing AI in real time to defend against scams while cybercriminals employ the same technology to exploit unsuspecting victims.
Conclusion
The Coughlin brothers, through their journey with Savi Security, are taking significant strides in making the digital space safer for everyday users. By creating innovative tools that leverage AI, they hope to level the playing field against an increasingly sophisticated array of scams. As technology continues to advance, proactive solutions like Savi Security will become essential in safeguarding individuals from the menace of cyber deception.
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