Meet Daisy: The English Grandma Fighting Back Against Scammers

In the fight against scams, an unexpected and surprisingly effective ally has arrived: a “grandmother” named Daisy.

She isn’t a real person, but a brilliant British invention designed to tackle an increasingly widespread problem, even here in Switzerland: phone scammers.

Who is Daisy?

Daisy is an intelligent software program that simulates a likable elderly lady. She is designed to answer calls from scammers with a polite and somewhat naive tone, just like a kind grandmother who trusts others a bit too much would. The goal? To keep them on the phone for as long as possible, until they realize they have been "conned" in return.

How does it work?

Daisy activates when she receives a suspicious call, such as those where someone pretends to be an IT technician, a grandchild in distress, or a bank employee. Thanks to her advanced programming, Daisy not only answers automatically but interacts realistically, asking questions and keeping the conversation alive.

For example:

• The scammer: “Ma'am, we have detected a virus on your computer, can you turn the device on?”
• Daisy: “Oh, dear, what a disaster! But you know, I have to find my glasses first… You can wait a moment for me, can't you?”

These “tricks” waste the scammers' time, reducing the number of victims they manage to reach. Additionally, every call with Daisy can be recorded, helping authorities gather valuable information about these criminals.

Why is it important?

Phone scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and often target the most vulnerable people, such as the elderly.

They pretend to be family members, technicians, or bank operators, trying to create panic to push the victim into taking impulsive actions, such as transferring money or providing sensitive information.

Daisy represents a simple yet ingenious barrier: she not only protects victims but also demoralizes scammers, making their operations less profitable.

Is it available to us as well?

Although Meet Daisy was developed in Great Britain, its technology could inspire similar solutions in other countries, including Switzerland. At the moment, we can protect ourselves by following a few simple rules:

1. Never provide personal or banking data over the phone.
2. Be wary of unsolicited calls. Banks and official entities never ask for sensitive information by phone.
3. Report scams. In Switzerland, there are hotlines to report suspicious activity.

Technology at the service of safety

Meet Daisy is a demonstration of how artificial intelligence and creativity can be used to protect people, especially those most exposed. And, let's face it, there is something very satisfying about the thought of a virtual grandmother wasting the time of those who want to rob us.

Here is the video to see exactly how it works: (video in English)

And you, are you disturbed by aggressive telemarketing, "fake grandchild" scam attempts, or nuisance calls from people who have never called you before? Tell me about your experiences by commenting below this article.

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