Mobile operator O2 has taken a proactive step in the fight against phone scammers by introducing an innovative AI-powered tool designed to waste scammers’ time. The tool, named “scambaiter”, was developed in response to research revealing that seven out of 10 people wished to retaliate against scammers but didn’t want to invest their own time in doing so. O2’s creation, known as Daisy, is an Artificial Intelligence tool that simulates the voice of an elderly grandmother to engage scammers and keep them occupied, ultimately preventing them from targeting innocent individuals.
The telecoms company collaborated with expert scambaiters, individuals who disrupt scammer networks, to incorporate phone numbers linked to Daisy into known scammer call lists. By engaging scammers in lengthy conversations, sharing fictional personal details and false bank information, Daisy successfully stalls scammers for up to 40 minutes per call. This strategy not only frustrates scammers but also educates O2 on prevalent scamming tactics, enhancing their ability to safeguard customers from potential threats. Murray MacKenzie, Virgin Media O2’s Director of Fraud, emphasised the company’s commitment to combatting scammers through a range of technological solutions like Daisy.
Daisy plays a crucial role in Virgin Media O2’s broader initiative, “Swerve the Scammers” campaign, coinciding with International Fraud Awareness Week. The tool’s success in outsmarting scammers serves as a reminder to remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited calls or messages. According to MacKenzie, scammers operate dedicated call centres to target individuals, making it essential for the public to report suspicious communications promptly. O2 encourages individuals to forward dubious calls or texts to 7726 for assessment free of charge, contributing to the collective effort of thwarting fraudulent activities.
Through Daisy’s interactions with scammers, Virgin Media O2 aims to disrupt scammer operations and shield potential victims from financial harm. By employing innovative technologies like Daisy, the company underscores its relentless pursuit to safeguard customers and minimise the prevalence of phone scams. The incorporation of AI in fraud prevention mechanisms signals a progressive approach in combating digital threats, marking a significant stride in ensuring consumer protection in an increasingly digital landscape.
The unveiling of Daisy emphasises O2’s proactive stance in addressing the evolving challenges posed by scammers. Leveraging AI technology to engage scammers directly underscores the company’s commitment to innovatively tackle digital fraud. Through Daisy’s strategic interventions, O2 not only deters scammers from targeting vulnerable individuals but also gathers valuable insights to enhance fraud prevention measures. As technology continues to shape the telecommunications landscape, O2’s adoption of AI tools like Daisy underscores their dedication to prioritising customer safety and combatting fraudulent activities effectively.
In the ongoing battle against phone scammers, Virgin Media O2’s introduction of Daisy signifies a dynamic shift in the approach to safeguarding consumers from fraudulent schemes. By employing sophisticated AI capabilities to engage scammers, O2 demonstrates a proactive strategy to mitigate risks and protect customers from potential intrusions. As the digital landscape evolves, O2’s investment in innovative tools like Daisy underscores their unwavering commitment to enhancing security measures and fortifying defences against emerging threats. The deployment of Daisy marks a significant milestone in the fight against phone scams, showcasing O2’s leadership in leveraging technology to safeguard users and uphold the integrity of communication networks.