O2, a leading UK mobile network operator, has introduced “Daisy,” an AI-powered virtual assistant designed to combat phone scammers by engaging them in prolonged, unproductive conversations. Daisy mimics the persona of a friendly, elderly woman, complete with stories about her family and hobbies like knitting, to keep fraudsters occupied and divert their attention from potential victims.
Developed using advanced AI technologies, Daisy operates autonomously, transcribing incoming scam calls and generating contextually appropriate responses in real-time. This approach has proven effective, with some scammers remaining on the line for up to 40 minutes, unaware they are interacting with an AI.
The initiative addresses a significant issue, as a survey by O2 revealed that 71% of Britons have been targeted by scammers, and many express a desire to retaliate without wasting their own time. By deploying Daisy, O2 aims to protect consumers and raise awareness about fraudulent activities.
While Daisy is currently operational in the UK, the concept highlights the potential for AI-driven solutions in combating phone scams globally. In the United States, where millions receive scam calls daily, similar AI applications could offer a proactive approach to fraud prevention.
O2 encourages individuals to remain vigilant and report suspected scam communications. In the UK, forwarding suspicious messages to 7726 (spelling “SPAM” on a keypad) allows authorities to investigate and block fraudulent numbers
Elderly individuals are increasingly targeted by phone scams, leading to significant financial losses. In 2023, Americans aged 60 and older reported losses exceeding $3.4 billion due to fraud, marking an 11% increase from the previous year.
Phone scams are particularly prevalent among older adults. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2021, 24% of older adults who lost money to scams indicated that the initial contact was via a phone call, compared to just 10% of younger consumers.
Tech support scams are among the most common frauds affecting seniors. In 2023, nearly 18,000 victims aged 60 and over reported such scams, resulting in almost $600 million in losses. Investment scams are the costliest for older adults. In 2023, these schemes led to losses exceeding $1.2 billion among individuals aged 60 and over.
The average loss per victim aged 60 and over was approximately $33,915 in 2023, with nearly 6,000 individuals reporting losses exceeding $100,000.
These statistics underscore the critical need for enhanced awareness and protective measures to safeguard elderly individuals from phone scams and related fraudulent activities.
For a visual demonstration of Daisy in action, you can watch the following video:
