O2 has rolled out an innovative AI ‘Granny’ to combat phone scammers, drawing on high-tech and real scambaiter content.
- The lifelike AI, named ‘Daisy,’ engages scammers by posing as a potential victim to keep them occupied and deter real threats.
- O2 emphasizes the urgent need for vigilance as the UK faces a growing problem with scams.
- AI technology is part of O2’s broader strategy to protect customers through advanced fraud prevention measures.
- Public figures like Amy Hart have joined the campaign to highlight the dangers of sophisticated scams.
O2 has launched a clever new weapon in the fight against phone fraud: a sophisticated AI persona known as ‘Daisy.’ This human-like AI is designed to engage and distract scammers, making them believe they’ve found an easy target. Daisy’s creation involved cutting-edge technology and inspiration from actual scambaiter techniques. By keeping scammers talking, Daisy helps protect real users from falling victim to fraud.
The AI is not just a clever trick; it’s part of a serious effort to address what O2 describes as a ‘fraud epidemic’ in the UK. O2’s Director of Fraud, Murray Mackenzie, highlighted the company’s commitment to tackling scams, which includes investing in firewall technologies and AI-driven spam call detection. This new approach sends a powerful message that scammers shouldn’t underestimate the tools victims have at their disposal.
Daisy’s ability to stall fraudsters is impressive, often managing to keep them on the line for up to 40 minutes. During these calls, Daisy, sounding convincingly human, shares stories about family and hobbies and even provides fake personal information like made-up bank details. This keeps scammers busy and away from genuine potential victims.
This AI initiative is part of the larger ‘Swerve the Scammers’ campaign. It’s driven by research showing that many people wish to retaliate against scammers but don’t want to waste their own time doing so. With a significant percentage of the UK population worried about scams and frequent fraud attempts, there’s a clear demand for innovative solutions like Daisy.
The campaign also features influencer Amy Hart, who personally experienced a significant scam. Hart’s involvement underscores the dangers everyone faces from fraudsters’ increasingly sophisticated tactics. She remarked on the campaign’s importance in keeping scammers engaged in pointless conversations. The effort reflects an understanding that anyone could be a target, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance when receiving unexpected calls or messages.
The introduction of ‘Daisy’ marks a significant step in using AI to protect individuals from the growing threat of scams.
