Futures

Innovative Solutions to Combat Robocalls: Jolly Roger Telephone Company Takes on Scammers, (from page 20230708.)

External link

Keywords

Themes

Other

Summary

Despite efforts by the US FCC to combat robocalls, consumers continue to receive an average of 14 calls per month, many of which are scams targeting vulnerable individuals. Roger Anderson of Jolly Roger Telephone Company has developed a unique solution by using bots powered by ChatGPT to engage scammers, wasting their time and resources. For a $25 annual subscription, users can forward calls to a unique number, allowing the bots to handle robocalls or listen in on entertaining conversations. The bots mimic human voices and personalities, which, while occasionally repetitive, effectively keep scammers engaged for longer periods. Unlike previous systems, Jolly Roger’s technology can recognize and respond to key presses, enhancing its effectiveness against telemarketing scams. Users can also try Lenny, a free chatbot that has been combating robocalls since 2008, but it lacks some of Jolly Roger’s advanced features.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Consumer Adaptation to Robocalls Consumers are increasingly adopting innovative methods to deal with robocalls. From ignoring robocalls to actively engaging technology to waste scammers’ time. Consumers may develop sophisticated tools to interact with robocalls, minimizing their disruptions. The rise of technology that empowers users to fight back against disruptive robocalls. 4
Emergence of Bot-based Solutions Businesses are using AI-powered bots to manage robocalls effectively. From passive receiving of robocalls to active use of bots to counteract them. AI-driven solutions may become the norm for managing unwanted calls and protecting users. The increasing sophistication of AI technology and a need for consumer protection. 5
Market for Robocall Defense Services Growing demand for services that help consumers defend against robocalls. From no available options to a market emerging for robocall defense solutions. A variety of subscription-based services may emerge to combat robocalls effectively. Consumer frustration with robocalls leading to a willingness to pay for solutions. 4
Humanization of AI Interactions The development of bots that mimic human behavior during phone calls. From robotic and unconvincing responses to more human-like interactions with bots. AI may be indistinguishable from humans in phone interactions, complicating scams. Advancements in AI voice technology and consumer demand for engaging interactions. 3
Scam Resilience among Consumers Consumers are becoming more resilient in the face of telemarketing scams. From vulnerability to scams to active strategies to waste scammers’ time. Consumers may become highly skilled at recognizing and disarming scams. Increased awareness and education about telemarketing tactics and scams. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Robocall Scams Despite regulations, robocalls continue to disrupt consumers, especially targeting vulnerable populations like the elderly, which raises concern for their financial security. 5
Consumer Privacy Increased robocalls lead to privacy intrusions, disturbing daily life and requiring consumers to engage more with unknown callers, which can lead to data leaks. 4
Technological Arms Race As tech solutions like bots are used to counter robocalls, this could escalate the tactics of both scammers and defensive technologies, leading to more sophisticated scams. 4
Automation and AI Ethics The use of AI to manipulate robocall situations may raise ethical questions regarding the use of technology against human beings, potentially leading to unintended consequences. 3
Distraction and Mental Health The annoyance and stress caused by robocalls may lead to increased anxiety and distraction among consumers, affecting their mental well-being. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Robocall Screening Consumers increasingly screen their calls, sending unknown numbers to voicemail or ignoring them, disrupting their daily activities. 4
Scam Defense Bots Individuals are using AI-powered bots to engage and waste the time of telemarketing scammers, turning the tables on them. 5
Subscription-Based Call Management Emergence of services allowing users to subscribe for tools that manage unwanted calls, highlighting a market for robocall defense. 4
Personas for Engagement The use of various bot personalities to interact with robocallers, creating a more entertaining experience for users. 3
Advanced Autodialer Interaction Innovative technologies that allow bots to recognize and interact with autodialers, improving their effectiveness against scams. 5

Technologies

description relevancy src
Bots powered by AI, like ChatGPT, that engage and waste the time of telemarketing scammers. 5 857470c398e02e1332fa173027719cc5
Technology that creates human-like voices for bots to interact with callers, enhancing the realism of conversations. 4 857470c398e02e1332fa173027719cc5
Systems that utilize artificial intelligence to combat telemarketing scams by interacting with scammers. 5 857470c398e02e1332fa173027719cc5
Systems that intelligently handle calls, such as merging calls and recognizing key presses to keep scammers engaged. 4 857470c398e02e1332fa173027719cc5

Issues

name description relevancy
Robocall Scams The prevalence of robocalls continues to increase, targeting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, despite regulatory efforts to combat them. 5
Bot Technology in Consumer Protection Innovative use of AI and bot technology to counteract robocalls presents a new method for consumer protection and engagement. 4
Consumer Fatigue with Scams Widespread annoyance and fatigue among consumers dealing with constant robocalls, affecting their daily lives and trust in communication. 4
Adaptive AI in Telecommunication The advancement of AI technologies that adapt to telemarketing tactics indicates a trend towards more sophisticated consumer protection measures. 4
Emerging Business Models New business models focused on leveraging technology to combat telemarketing scams are emerging, reflecting changing consumer needs. 3