As Black Friday approaches, online scams powered by artificial intelligence are on the rise, with 59% of Americans expressing increased concern about online fraud, according to a recent study.
In response to the growing threat, O2, the UK's largest mobile network operator, has introduced an AI named Daisy, designed to engage scammers in lengthy conversations, effectively wasting their time. Daisy mimics a grandmother, keeping fraudsters engaged while providing false information.
The rise of AI-driven scams includes sophisticated deepfake technology that makes it difficult for consumers to identify scams on social media and through email. Cybersecurity experts warn that even messages from trusted sources can be faked.
Billey Steeghs, COO of OnDefend, emphasizes the importance of vigilance, suggesting consumers verify links and consider using tools like Deepware Scanner to detect deepfake content. He also advises trusting one's instincts when something appears too good to be true.
O2's Daisy has been developed using advanced AI technologies and trained with insights from a well-known scammer, enabling it to interact with fraudsters in real-time. This innovative approach aims to counteract the alarming rise in phone scams, which reportedly led to $11 million in losses in 2022.
As the holiday shopping season unfolds, experts urge consumers to remain cautious and informed to protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams.