AI Granny: The New Trick to Annoy Scam Callers

O2’s Innovative Approach to Scam Calls

To fight back against rising scam calls, a UK mobile operator has developed an ingenious AI solution that keeps scammers tied up for as long as possible. O2’s latest invention is Daisy, a virtual “granny” designed to engage fraudsters in long-winded conversations, preventing them from targeting real victims.

The Purpose of Daisy: Wasting Scammers’ Time

Daisy uses artificial intelligence to transcribe, interpret, and respond to scam calls in real time. The goal is simple: make scammers talk for an extended period, draining their time and reducing the likelihood they’ll scam others. As they chat with Daisy about trivial topics like knitting or family reunions, they become oblivious to the fact they are speaking to an AI instead of a real person.

Raising Awareness and Combatting Fraud

By introducing Daisy, O2 hopes to spread awareness about the ongoing threat of phone scams and help its customers stay alert. The company also encourages users to report suspicious messages and calls by texting 7726, helping block these fraudulent numbers and improve overall protection.

The Impact of Scams on UK Citizens

In the UK, fraud is a growing concern, with 70% of the population fearing they may fall victim. O2’s innovative solution aims to combat this issue by keeping scammers occupied, thereby reducing their ability to target vulnerable individuals.