A new AI tool launched in the UK by mobile operator O2 is keeping phone scammers busy, giving the public more protection.
The tool, called Daisy, is designed to sound like an elderly grandmother. It engages scammers in long conversations, stopping them from targeting real victims.
How It Works
Daisy’s phone numbers are added to lists used by scammers to target vulnerable people. When scammers call, Daisy tells long, wandering stories and gives fake personal or banking details. This keeps scammers on the line for up to 40 minutes, wasting their time and frustrating their efforts.
Why It Was Created
O2 developed this tool after research showed that 70% of people want to fight back against scammers but don’t want to waste their own time. Daisy was built with the help of professional “scambaiters” who specialize in disrupting scammer operations.
Protecting the Public
Murray MacKenzie, Director of Fraud at Virgin Media O2, says Daisy is not just about wasting scammers’ time. It also teaches people how scammers work, helping them stay safe.
“Daisy is outsmarting scammers and showing how to stay alert against fraud. It’s a reminder to always be careful when answering calls,” MacKenzie said.
The tool is part of O2’s Swerve the Scammers campaign, which coincides with International Fraud Awareness Week. O2 encourages people to report scam calls and texts to 7726 for free.
This creative AI approach is turning the tables on scammers and keeping the public safer.
Source: thestar
