O2 Launches AI Granny to Outsmart Scammers
O2 Launches Daisy: The AI Granny Taking on Scammers
In a bold move against fraudsters, O2 has introduced a new AI called Daisy, designed to interact with and waste the time of phone scammers. This lifelike AI ‘Granny’ takes on the role of a naive but engaging interlocutor, distracting fraudsters while keeping them away from real victims. Trained on sophisticated technology and real-world scambaiter scripts, Daisy can carry on human-like conversations and fool scammers into thinking they have found an easy target.
The Strategic Role of Daisy in Fraud Prevention
Daisy operates as a central figure in O2’s anti-fraud strategy under their “Swerve the Scammers” campaign. With recent research revealing that 71% of UK citizens wish to retaliate against scammers, but many are hesitant to waste their own time, Daisy steps in as the perfect solution. During her interactions, Daisy employs various tactics, such as recounting lengthy family anecdotes or discussing her hobbies, thus exhausting the scammers’ time without them realizing the deception.
The AI has already shown impressive results, managing to keep some fraudsters on the line for upwards of 40 minutes, diverting their attempts away from genuine victims.
Partnerships to Combat Scams
Among those rallying against fraud alongside O2 is Amy Hart, a former Love Island contestant and a victim of a scam herself, who has joined forces with Daisy to raise awareness about scam tactics. Hart’s own experience, which resulted in the loss of over £5,000, underscores the urgent need for robust fraud prevention strategies. She emphasizes the importance of vigilance and encourages the public to be proactive when faced with suspicious calls.
The Technology Behind Daisy
Daisy is built on a sophisticated platform that synthesizes multiple AI models to engage in real-time conversations. It employs a custom large language model tailored to simulate human interaction and generates responses that align with a character ‘personality.’ This advanced design aims to provide a realistic chatting experience, making it incredibly difficult for scammers to discern that they are speaking to an AI.
Reinforcement of Consumer Vigilance
Beyond engaging with fraudsters, O2 encourages consumers to remain vigilant. They advise individuals to hang up if they suspect a scam call and report any fraudulent communications to the designated number 7726, which spells SPAM on phone keypads. This reporting system enables O2 to track scams more effectively and refine their preventative measures.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud at Virgin Media O2, pointed out the organization’s commitment to investing in a range of scam prevention technologies, highlighting that Daisy’s role extends beyond just scambaiting; it serves as a reminder that vigilance against phone scams is crucial.
O2’s Broader Commitment to Fighting Fraud
The AI Granny is part of O2’s larger initiative to tackle the rising tide of phone fraud, with the company reporting that nearly seven in ten Britons have encountered scams. They have intercepted over £250 million in fraudulent transactions in the past year alone, demonstrating their proactive stance against this growing issue.
O2 is also advocating for wider governmental reform in the fight against fraud, calling for the appointment of a dedicated fraud minister and a centralized body focused on combating fraud effectively.
As technology and tactics employed by scammers continue to evolve, projects like Daisy represent a creative and engaging method to outsmart fraudsters, while also empowering consumers with knowledge and tools to protect themselves from scams.