Daisy, the AI Grandma, Arrives to Handle Scam Calls and Make Them Waste Their Time.
Finally, the use case for artificial intelligence that we were all waiting for.
Daisy, the virtual grandmother created by O2, has been designed to fool scammers during lengthy conversations, aiming to make them waste as much time as possible trying to obtain personal information. This innovative intelligent assistant utilizes real data about scams, thanks to the collaboration with Jim Browning, a well-known scambaiter on YouTube.
A recent study indicates that 71% of Britons wish for some form of retaliation against scammers who have tried to deceive them or their loved ones. Daisy, also known as dAIsy, represents an unexpected twist in the fight against these frauds, using her wit to simulate the technological naivety often associated with the elderly. This frustrates scammers as they attempt to make her provide information or follow directions that they know are false, while Daisy keeps them occupied in endless dialogues.
Unlike a simple app that users can add to their phones, Daisy operates as a specific phone number that O2 has integrated into lists used by scammers to direct their calls. This service is available 24/7, ensuring that there is always an answer when a scammer attempts to make contact.
Murray Mackenzie, Fraud Director at Virgin Media O2, has mentioned the company's commitment to combating fraud, highlighting its investment in various security technologies, including AI-based spam call detection. This initiative also underscores the importance of being cautious and not succumbing to the persuasion of someone on the other end of the line who may not be who they claim to be.
O2 Virgin Media has launched a website that offers suggestions and advice for dealing with scammers, emphasizing that instead of spending personal time defending against these scams, a convincing chatbot like Daisy can be an effective ally.
