A local telecoms firm that created a product to protect vulnerable people from scammers has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Phonely - which has offices in Norwich and Oulton Broad - is in the running for the Innovation Award at the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards 2024.

The business is best known for its CallGuard software which uses AI to block scam calls.

When someone calls a Phonely customer, CallGuard listens to the conversation and analyses it for words and phrases that scammers often use, such as requests for bank details.

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If CallGuard suspects a call might be a scam, it quickly sends a warning to a trusted person chosen by the Phonely customer such as a family member or friend.

The trusted person receives an alert on their phone and can step in to provide support if needed.

CallGuard also automatically blocks known scam numbers.

Bryn Thompson, Phonely's marketing director, said: "We are thrilled to be recognised for our innovative approach to tackling telephone fraud.

"Our inclusion in the Innovation Award category is a testament to our commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve."

The winners will be announced on November 12 in a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.