O2 has launched an AI-driven initiative to tackle fraudsters by engaging them in conversations.
- The AI ‘Granny,’ named ‘Daisy,’ is designed to mimic a real person and talks to scammers to waste their time.
- Trained with the help of scambaiter Jim Browning, the tool works without human input, using advanced tech.
- Daisy diverts scammers with lifelike interactions, sometimes holding them on calls for 40 minutes.
- This initiative is part of O2’s wider campaign and encourages vigilance amid rising fraud cases.
O2 has introduced an AI tool called ‘Granny,’ also known as ‘Daisy,’ to confront phone scammers. Daisy engages scammers in conversation, effectively wasting their time by making them think they are speaking with a genuine target. The AI has been developed using cutting-edge technology and actual scambaiter content, and it is nearly indistinguishable from a real person on the phone.
As part of its training, Daisy worked with renowned YouTube scambaiter, Jim Browning. O2 credits this collaboration with enabling Daisy to interact with fraudsters spontaneously and hold their attention. By keeping scammers occupied with personal stories and fake details, the AI aims to prevent real customers from falling victim to scams.
Murray Mackenzie from Virgin Media O2 highlighted the need to stay alert due to the increasing threat of fraud. O2 has invested in various security measures, including technologies to block scam texts and identify spam calls. The company stresses the importance of public awareness and encourages people to report suspicious calls and texts to 7726, a free service to help combat fraud.
The deployment of Daisy is a critical component of O2’s ‘Swerve the Scammers’ campaign. This initiative was developed in response to research showing that the majority of Brits wish to retaliate against scammers but are discouraged by the prospect of wasting their own time. With Daisy, O2 provides a way for people to fight back indirectly and safely.
The scale of the scam issue is significant, with a large portion of the population worried about becoming targets. The statistics reveal that many individuals face fraud attempts regularly. In a related effort, Amy Hart, a reality TV star who personally experienced scamming, participates in public campaigns to raise awareness about these fraudulent activities.
O2’s introduction of ‘Granny’ marks a proactive step in combating phone scams and enhancing public awareness.
