In an innovative move by O2 Virgin Media, a new AI entity named Daisy, or affectionately termed AI granny, has been deployed to tackle the pervasive issue of telephone scams. This virtual grandmother engages scammers in prolonged, aimless conversations, effectively keeping them occupied and away from potential victims. This initiative is not just about technology; it’s a strategic countermeasure against the scamming epidemic that targets vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly.
Daisy’s creation stems from a collaboration with Jim Browning, a prominent figure known for exposing tech support scams on his YouTube channel. This partnership leverages real anonymized data from scammers, providing Daisy with the tools to sound convincingly human and deeply familiar with the common scripts used by fraudsters. Her persona as an elderly woman not adept with technology plays perfectly into the stereotypes scammers expect, which makes her interactions both believable and frustrating for them.
Learn more about Daisy, the AI designed to combat phone scams.
Daisy operates 24/7, answering calls from a number listed on ‘mugs lists’—directories scammers use to find potential targets. This round-the-clock availability ensures that Daisy maximizes her impact, drawing scammers into lengthy conversations that lead nowhere. According to Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud at Virgin Media O2, the company is deeply invested in technologies that protect consumers from scams, ranging from firewall advancements to AI-driven spam call detection systems.
A recent survey highlighted that a significant majority of Brits, 71% to be precise, harbor a desire to retaliate against scammers who have targeted them or their loved ones. Daisy serves as a proxy for this retaliation, sparing individuals the risk and stress of confronting scammers directly.
O2 Virgin Media also provides a resource webpage with tips and advice for dealing with potential scams, reinforcing their commitment to consumer safety and scam prevention. Daisy’s effectiveness and the public’s approval of such methods underscore a shared community spirit aimed at safeguarding each other, especially those who are most at risk.