Digital thug Tony must help farmers say no to real criminals

Farmers in the Netherlands can now practice conversations with an AI version of a criminal named Tony, designed to help them refuse illegal rental offers. Criminals have been targeting farmers to rent barns for illegal activities, offering large sums of money. Research indicates that 10-20% of farmers have been approached. The AI tool, developed by a collaboration of various organizations, allows farmers to engage in realistic scenarios to improve their negotiation skills. Feedback from these sessions shows that even experienced individuals can inadvertently share too much information. Overall, farmers find the training beneficial, as it raises awareness and prepares them for real-life encounters.