In a groundbreaking move to tackle the rising tide of phone scams in the UK, O2 has unveiled a revolutionary AI chatbot named Daisy. Designed to outwit scammers and protect customers, Daisy is a conversational AI capable of engaging fraudsters in lifelike, meandering conversations that waste their time and reduce their chances of targeting real victims.
A New Weapon in the Fight Against Fraud
Developed in collaboration with VCCP’s AI creative agency Faith, Daisy is part of O2’s “Swerve the Scammers” campaign. The AI chatbot was trained using cutting-edge technology and the expertise of renowned scambaiter Jim Browning. Daisy’s persona was crafted to reflect the stereotypes scammers often exploit, including a voice modelled after a VCCP team member’s grandmother, adding authenticity to her rambling tales about knitting and family life.
Daisy’s primary goal is to keep fraudsters on the line for as long as possible, reducing their opportunity to scam others. She operates autonomously 24/7, employing advanced AI to listen, respond, and even fabricate false personal details like fake bank accounts in real time.
Virgin Media O2 Marketing Director Simon Valcarcel described Daisy as “our secret weapon against scammers—indistinguishable from a real person, dedicated to wasting fraudsters’ time.”
Fraud Epidemic in the UK
O2’s initiative comes at a time when phone scams have reached alarming levels. Research by the company revealed that nearly 7 in 10 Brits have been targeted by fraudsters, with one in five experiencing weekly scam attempts. Last year alone, Virgin Media O2 intercepted over £250 million in suspected fraudulent transactions.
While many people express a desire to fight back, the time commitment required to bait scammers often deters them. This is where Daisy steps in, turning the tables on scammers while educating the public about common tactics.
Celebrity Support and Awareness
Former Love Island star and scam victim Amy Hart has joined forces with O2 to promote the campaign. Hart, who lost over £5,000 in a phone scam, appears in a powerful video alongside Daisy to expose scammers’ methods and urge vigilance. “Whether you’re young or old, anyone can be a victim,” Hart said. “Daisy’s work shows just how far fraudsters will go, and it’s a reminder to always be cautious.”
Call for Broader Action
Virgin Media O2 is not only investing in technology like Daisy but also calling for systemic reforms to combat fraud. The company has urged the UK government to appoint a dedicated fraud minister and establish a centralised national body to investigate fraud cases.
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud at Virgin Media O2, emphasised the importance of collective action. “While Daisy is doing incredible work, stopping scammers requires everyone to play their part. By reporting suspicious calls and messages to 7726, customers can help us block numbers and refine our fraud detection systems.”
How to Stay Safe
O2 advises customers to:
- STOP: Question unexpected calls asking for personal information or access codes.
- SEND: Forward suspicious texts or calls to 7726 (SPAM) for free.
- SPEAK OUT: Share knowledge about scams with friends and family to protect others.
With Daisy now leading the charge, O2 hopes to turn the tide on fraudsters while raising awareness about the ever-evolving threat of scams. For more information, visit O2’s “Swerve the Scammers” page.
Source: https://news.virginmediao2.co.uk/o2-unveils-daisy-the-ai-granny-wasting-scammers-time/
