Phone scams remain a persistent threat, targeting older individuals through manipulative tactics. A new AI solution developed by o2 leverages technology to protect potential victims in an unexpected way. The program mimics an elderly voice, distracting scammers while providing valuable insights.
By Joseph Gutierrez
How the AI Grandma Works
o2’s AI system, named “Daisy,” simulates an elderly woman to intercept and distract phone scammers. It engages fraudsters with lengthy conversations, sharing false stories and fake personal details to waste their time. In tests, the AI successfully kept scammers occupied for up to 40 minutes. Customers in the United Kingdom can forward suspicious calls to a special number, allowing Daisy to take over.
Strengths and Weaknesses
While innovative, Daisy has limitations. The system cannot identify scammers or prevent them from contacting others. It is also restricted to handling phone-based fraud and cannot address text-based scams like SMS or messaging app fraud. However, Daisy offers a unique way to gather insights into scam techniques, helping authorities adapt their prevention methods.
A Creative Approach to Security
Daisy represents a fresh approach to tackling fraud, blending technology with creativity. By wasting scammers’ time, the AI disrupts their operations and potentially reduces harm to real victims. The insights gained could inform broader fraud prevention strategies, especially as scammers become more sophisticated.
Future Potential
The success of Daisy highlights the growing role of AI in fraud prevention. Expanding its capabilities to handle other forms of scams or adapting it to different markets could increase its impact.
Daisy’s innovative approach demonstrates how technology can be harnessed to combat persistent threats like phone scams. While it is not a comprehensive solution, it highlights the potential of AI to disrupt fraudulent activities and protect vulnerable populations. The continued evolution of such tools could play a critical role in the fight against increasingly sophisticated scams.
Based on content from focus.de and own research.