AI Scambaiters: O2 creates AI Granny to waste scammers’ time

Telephone scams have plagued people for decades, and with the rise of AI, identifying a scammer has only become more challenging. But U.K. mobile network O2 has flipped the script with a delightful and ingenious solution: meet Daisy, the AI-powered “Granny” designed to waste scammers’ time with endless chit-chat.

What is Daisy?

Daisy is a charming AI bot that mimics the conversational style of an elderly woman. Equipped with “human-like rambling chat,” she engages scammers in long-winded discussions about family, knitting, and fabricated personal stories. Her ultimate goal? To keep scammers occupied for as long as possible, diverting their attention away from targeting real victims.

Daisy doesn’t just chat for a few minutes; O2 reports she has managed to keep fraudsters on calls for up to 40 minutes! Every moment a scammer spends with Daisy is a moment they can’t spend tricking someone else.

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How Does Daisy Work?

• Collaborative Effort: Daisy was created with the expertise of YouTuber, software engineer, and renowned “scambaiter” Jim Browning, who specializes in exposing fraudsters.

• AI-Driven Conversations: Using a blend of AI models, Daisy can listen and respond to calls with believable, personalized dialogue.

• Fake Phone Numbers: For this experiment, O2 added their own phone numbers to scammer lists, ensuring Daisy would get plenty of calls.

Why It Matters

Daisy’s antics are part of O2’s campaign for International Fraud Awareness Week. By wasting scammers’ time, Daisy helps reduce the harm they can inflict on unsuspecting people. This creative approach highlights the potential for AI to fight fraud in unconventional ways.

A Fun Twist, But Not for Public Use

As entertaining as Daisy’s calls might be, O2 has clarified that this AI isn’t available for public use — for now, it’s strictly an in-house experiment.

The Bigger Picture

Daisy represents a playful yet powerful way to use technology against fraud. It also underscores the importance of being vigilant against scams. While Daisy tackles fraudsters on one end, here’s what you can do:

• Verify Calls: Always confirm the identity of a caller.

• Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Never give sensitive details over the phone.

• Report Suspicious Activity: Alert authorities or your network provider if you suspect a scam.

What’s Next?

AI is evolving rapidly, and projects like Daisy hint at a future where technology plays a vital role in combating fraud. Who knows? The next time you pick up the phone, a savvy AI might just be your secret weapon against scammers!