How AI Is Fighting Back Against Phone Scammers: The Story of Daisy.

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Daisy the AI 'granny scambaiter' joins the fight against phone scammers |  Creative Boom

The fight against phone scams has taken a groundbreaking turn with the introduction of artificial intelligence-powered systems designed to tackle fraudsters head-on. Virgin Media O2, a leading telecom provider in the UK, recently unveiled an innovative tool called Daisy, an AI-powered “grandmother” that specializes in wasting scammers’ time. This creative approach not only disrupts the workflow of scammers but also serves as a robust shield for potential victims.

What Is Daisy, and How Does It Work?

Daisy is more than just a chatbot; it’s an AI scambaiting system engineered to hold realistic, human-like conversations with scammers. When fraudsters call or target victims, Daisy takes over, engaging them in elaborate discussions that lead nowhere. By consuming their time and resources, Daisy reduces the number of victims these criminals can approach.

The AI uses advanced text-to-speech and natural language processing to mimic a slow-speaking, elderly persona—playing into scammers’ expectations and keeping them engaged for as long as possible. It’s an evolution of earlier scambaiting tools like “Lenny,” a system with pre-recorded audio clips that has been known to keep scammers on the line for hours. Daisy ups the ante by responding dynamically in real time, making it harder for scammers to spot the trick.

Why Scambaiting Works

The core idea behind scambaiting is simple: the longer scammers are distracted, the less time they have to harm real victims. Scambaiting tools like Daisy turn the tables on these fraudsters, flipping their tactics against them. By doing so, they:

  • Waste scammers’ valuable resources.
  • Increase operational frustration and costs for scammers.
  • Protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to fraud.

Virgin Media O2 also supports these efforts with customer education, encouraging users to report suspicious numbers to their 7726 text service for analysis and blocking.

The Role of AI in Consumer Protection

AI-driven tools like Daisy represent a growing trend in leveraging technology to safeguard consumers. From spam filters to fraud detection algorithms in banking, AI is increasingly central to combating cyber threats. What makes Daisy unique is its interactive, almost playful approach to scam prevention, demonstrating how AI can address even the most persistent digital threats creatively.

A Call for Vigilance

While tools like Daisy are effective, they’re not a standalone solution. Virgin Media O2 stresses the importance of consumer awareness. Individuals are urged to stay vigilant, report scams, and avoid engaging directly with fraudsters. By combining AI tools with public participation, the impact of scams can be significantly minimized.

Looking Ahead

As AI continues to evolve, so will its applications in fraud prevention. Daisy is a shining example of how innovative technology can disrupt criminal networks, offering a glimpse into a future where AI becomes a central pillar of consumer protection. For now, Daisy is proving that sometimes, the best way to combat scammers is to play them at their own game—one wasted call at a time.

Made with help of O2 and CBS News.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ai-grandma-daisy-uk-anti-fraud-scammers-virgin-media-o2/

https://news.virginmediao2.co.uk/o2-unveils-daisy-the-ai-granny-wasting-scammers-time/

4 thoughts on “How AI Is Fighting Back Against Phone Scammers: The Story of Daisy.

  1. 52544 says:

    Such a clever use of AI! Daisy is a game-changer in the fight against phone scammers, not just for protecting consumers, but also for showing how technology can outsmart fraudsters in a creative way.

  2. 48086-ex says:

    I think it’s awesome how AI is being used for consumer protection. Daisy is like a digital hero, and it’s nice to see tech being used creatively to fight fraud

  3. 52626 says:

    I love this approach! Daisy is such a clever and creative way to fight back against phone scammers. It’s great to see AI being used in ways that not only protect people but also add a bit of humor to a frustrating situation.

  4. 52545 says:

    How effective is AI, like O2’s ‘Daisy’ program, in combating phone scammers?

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