Mobile network O2 has launched a new weapon in its fight against phone scams: Daisy, an AI granny designed to waste the time of fraudsters and keep them away from real people.
Daisy, the "Head of Scammer Relations," is a state-of-the-art AI, trained on real-world scambaiting content and powered by cutting-edge technology. She can hold lifelike conversations with scammers in real time, mimicking the speech patterns and mannerisms of a real elderly person. O2's research shows that 71% of Britons would like to get their own back at scammers, but 53% are reluctant to engage due to time constraints. Daisy offers a solution, effectively "scambaiting" on behalf of the public.
Daisy has been deployed around the clock, answering calls from fraudsters and successfully keeping them on the line for up to 40 minutes at a time. The AI's conversational skills have proven effective in frustrating scammers, who have been subjected to rambling stories about family, knitting, and even made-up personal details.
This initiative forms part of Virgin Media O2's "Swerve the Scammers" campaign, launched in response to the growing concern about fraud in the UK. With 67% of Britons worried about being targeted and 22% experiencing a fraud attempt each week, O2 is taking a proactive stance.
Reality TV star Amy Hart, a victim of a scam that cost her over £5,000, has teamed up with O2 and Daisy to raise awareness of the issue. Amy's harrowing experience highlights the sophistication of modern fraudsters and the importance of vigilance. In a new video, she showcases Daisy's capabilities and the tactics used by scammers.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud at Virgin Media O2, explains: "Daisy turns the tables on scammers, outsmarting and outmanoeuvring them at their own game. But she's also a reminder that not everyone on the phone is who they claim to be. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report suspicious calls and texts to 7726 for free."
Beyond Daisy, O2 is investing heavily in various initiatives to combat fraud. This includes AI-powered spam fighting tools, caller identification services, and blocking millions of fraudulent calls and texts each month.
However, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics. O2 encourages the public to forward suspected scams to 7726, allowing the company to investigate and block fraudulent numbers. This information also helps refine O2's blocking services, enabling quicker identification and prevention of emerging trends.
O2 is calling for wider action to tackle the UK's fraud epidemic. The company is advocating for a dedicated fraud minister and a centralised, specialised national policing body to address this growing problem.
O2 provides the following tips to protect yourself from fraud:
STOP: If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from O2, be cautious. Does the request feel legitimate? Are you being asked for personal data or codes? If in doubt, hang up and call O2 back using a trusted number.
SEND to 7726: Forward suspicious calls or texts to 7726 (which spells SPAM on a phone keypad) for free.
SPEAK OUT: Share information about scams with friends and family to help keep them safe.
The fight against fraud is ongoing, and O2 is committed to playing its part. With initiatives like Daisy, increased investment in technology, and raising awareness, the company aims to empower consumers and disrupt the activities of scammers.