In the world of technology, scams are as common as cat memes, especially around shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But AI scambaiters are here to step up, armed with algorithms and a healthy dose of humour.
What is Scambaiting?
Scambaiting involves engaging scammers just long enough to give them a taste of their own medicine. It’s like digital judo: using their tactics against them while entertaining the rest of us. With AI joining the game, scambaiting has reached a new level.
AI to the Rescue
AI-powered scambaiters match scammers with the finesse of a master puppeteer, using technology to waste their time and resources. Imagine an AI playing the role of “Bob,” an overly curious person asking scammers, “Can I pay with my collection of antique spoons?” Or insisting, “I tried wiring the money, but my fax machine keeps beeping.” It’s comedic gold.
Daisy the AI Scambaiter
A great example of this technology in action is O2’s human-like AI, Daisy. Designed to answer calls from fraudsters in real-time, Daisy keeps them on the line and away from actual customers for as long as possible. By revealing to the scammer that they’re not speaking to who they think they are, O2 encourages its customers to remain vigilant while allowing AI to handle the scamming shenanigans. They advise that leaving “scambaiting” to the experts like Daisy can help preserve your peace of mind.
The Art of Confusing the Scammer
AI scambaiters use natural language processing to engage scammers in absurd exchanges, keeping them on the line with ridiculous questions. One popular bot might ask scammers to repeat themselves because “there’s a pigeon on the line,” or claim, “I can’t hear you over the sound of how awesome my toaster is.” These interactions not only frustrate scammers but delight everyone else.
Increased Scams During Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Black Friday is prime time for scammers, who exploit the surge in online shopping with fake deals and phishing attempts. Every minute they spend stuck in a loop with an AI scambaiter is time they aren’t fooling a shopper eager for a bargain.
The Benefits of AI Scambaiting
While these exchanges are funny, they serve a purpose. Every minute a scammer spends with an AI is a minute they’re not tricking someone vulnerable. It’s community service wrapped in a comedy routine. These antics also raise awareness about scams, reminding people not to fall for suspicious requests.
Laughter as a Weapon
In the cat-and-mouse game between scammers and the world, AI scambaiters like Daisy are ingenious allies. By blending technology with humour, they offer a way to laugh at scams while doing some good. So next time you get a scam call, let an AI scambaiter handle it. After all, sometimes the best defence is a good laugh.
Watch Daisy’s video here.