The Truth About AI’s Role in Modern Scams

Imagine receiving a call from a friendly grandmother, only to discover she’s an AI designed to thwart scammers. Sounds like science fiction? It’s happening now.

Meet 'AI Granny': The New Weapon Against Scammers

In a groundbreaking initiative, Virgin Media O2, in collaboration with computer scientists, has developed an AI bot named Daisy, affectionately dubbed the 'AI Granny'. Daisy engages phone scammers in prolonged conversations about everyday topics like knitting and scone recipes, effectively wasting their time and preventing them from targeting real victims. [The Guardian]

The Rise of AI in Fraud Prevention

As phone scams become increasingly sophisticated, traditional methods of prevention often fall short. Enter AI-driven solutions like Daisy. By analyzing common scam call patterns, Daisy can engage scammers convincingly, keeping them occupied and reducing the number of successful fraud attempts. [Virgin Media O2 News]

A Case Study

Jim Browning, a renowned "scam baiter," collaborated on the Daisy project. In tests, Daisy managed to keep scammers on the line for extended periods, frustrating their efforts and highlighting the potential of AI in combating fraud. [The Guardian]

The Unexpected Angle: AI as a Defensive Tool

While AI is often associated with advancements in automation and data analysis, its application as a defensive tool against cybercrime is gaining traction. Projects like Daisy showcase how AI can be repurposed to protect vulnerable populations from malicious activities. [The Guardian]