UK Telecom O2 Launches AI Anti-Scam Bot “Daisy”: A Smart Grandma Who Keeps Scammers Waiting for 40 Minutes

📱 Summary

In an age where scams are everywhere, UK telecom giant O2 has introduced an innovative AI bot called Daisy. This AI grandma answers scam calls in real time, chatting with scammers to waste their time and protect real users. This technology shows how AI can be used to fight scams and offers a new way for telecom companies to stop fraud.

🤖 What is “Daisy”?

Daisy is an AI bot developed by O2 with these features:

• Acts as “Scam Relationship Manager,” handling scam calls.
• Uses advanced AI to mimic human conversations.
• Can chat with scammers for up to 40 minutes.
• Shares fake family stories and other made-up topics.
• Designed to waste scammers’ time and stop them from bothering real users.

📊 Why Do We Need This AI?

O2’s survey found:

• 71% of Brits want to fight back against scammers.
• 67% worry about being scammed.
• 22% face scam attempts weekly.
• 53% don’t want to waste their own time dealing with scammers.

🛡️ O2’s Anti-Scam Plan

O2 has a full anti-scam strategy:

1. Tech Solutions
   • AI systems to detect scam calls.
   • Firewalls to block scam texts.
   • Free caller ID services.
2. User Education
   • “Swerve the Scammers” awareness campaign.
   • A website with scam tips.
   • Videos with influencers teaching anti-scam skills.
3. Reporting Tools
   • Free hotline (7726) for reporting scams.
   • Stopped 89 million scam texts last year.
   • Database of suspicious numbers.

💡 Three Anti-Scam Tips for Users

1. Stop
   • Think before acting on a suspicious call.
   • Hang up if you suspect it’s a scam.
   • Call back using O2’s official number (202) to confirm.
2. Report
   • Forward scam texts to 7726.
   • Help O2 build a scam database.
   • Prevent scams from harming others.
3. Share
   • Inform friends and family about new scam tactics.
   • Raise awareness to keep everyone safe.
   • Build a safer communication network together.

❓ FAQs

Q1: How does Daisy detect scam calls?
A: Daisy uses AI models to transcribe calls and analyze the content to identify scam patterns.

Q2: How can users protect themselves from scams?
A: Be cautious with unknown calls, don’t share personal details, and verify calls by contacting official numbers.

Q3: What should you do after spotting a scam?
A: Report the scam to 7726, help block the scammer’s number, and warn friends and family.

🔮 Looking Ahead

O2 calls for stronger government action to fight scams:

• Appointing a dedicated anti-scam minister.
• Creating a national scam-fighting agency.
• Investigating scams more thoroughly.
• Investing more in anti-scam measures.

By combining AI with traditional security, O2 showcases how tech companies can lead the fight against fraud. This innovation highlights corporate responsibility and creates safer communication for everyone.

In the future, we might even see scammers talking to AI bots on both sides.