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UK Carrier O2 Creates AI Grandmother Called Daisy to Distract Scammers [Video]

### O2’s Daisy: The AI Grandma Battling Phone Scammers

In a world increasingly inundated with phone scams, the UK mobile carrier O2 has launched a groundbreaking solution: Daisy, an AI-driven grandmother crafted to engage and distract phone scammers. This initiative seeks to safeguard consumers by keeping fraudsters preoccupied, thereby diminishing their likelihood of targeting unsuspecting individuals.

#### The Idea Behind Daisy

Daisy is a component of a larger initiative to fight phone scams via technological means. The concept is straightforward yet impactful: the longer a scammer remains on the line, the fewer potential victims they can approach. By using an AI that imitates the traits of a slow-talking, tech-inept elder, O2 aims to establish a barrier against these unscrupulous calls.

This idea was popularized by a similar application called Lenny, a voice chatbot that employs pre-recorded audio snippets to interact with unwanted callers. Lenny’s effectiveness has been proven in several instances, where it has managed to keep scammers engaged for long durations, sometimes even up to an hour.

#### How Daisy Functions

Daisy works in real-time, responding to calls from fraudsters and engaging them in dialogue. The AI is engineered to let the scammer know that they are not speaking to an unsuspecting target, thus thwarting their attempts to commit fraud. O2 urges its customers to stay alert and leave the “scambaiting” to AI experts like Daisy.

To report a scam call or message, individuals can text the number 7722. This service checks the reported number and adds it to a database of known scam targets, further bolstering the community’s defenses against fraud.

#### The Significance of Reporting Scams

O2 highlights the necessity of reporting suspected fraudulent calls and texts. By doing so, users aid in a collective effort to combat phone scams. The more information is accumulated about these scams, the better positioned authorities and service providers are to take action against them.

#### See Daisy in Action

O2 has released a demonstration showcasing Daisy in action, illustrating how the AI engages with scammers. This not only serves as a deterrent to fraudsters but also raises consumer awareness about the methods used by scammers and the importance of being cautious when receiving unsolicited calls.

#### Conclusion

The launch of Daisy by O2 represents a pivotal advancement in the battle against phone scams. By harnessing AI technology, O2 is not only safeguarding its customers but also contributing to a broader movement aimed at diminishing the incidence of fraud. As consumers grow more knowledgeable about the strategies employed by scammers, initiatives like Daisy remind us to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

In a digital landscape where scams are becoming increasingly advanced, creative solutions like Daisy provide hope and protection for consumers everywhere.