‘Never say yes’ to these 3 questions when your phone rings

A tech expert has issued a warning that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has allowed telephone fraudsters to achieve unprecedented levels of sophistication. Hector Chavez has said, in order to stay safe from scams, you should never say the word “Yes” to a stranger on the phone.

“Scammers are getting smarter,” he began in a TikTok video. “They’re starting calls with simple questions like ‘Can you hear me?’, ‘Are you the homeowner?’ and ‘Do you have a moment to talk?'” These three enquiries are deliberately phrased to ensnare the call recipient, purely by capturing their voice answering “Yes”.

Hector elaborated: “This recording can then be used to authorise fraudulent charges or trick voice-based systems into thinking that it’s you – and with AI improving so fast, this might get worse.”

So how can we prevent ourselves from becoming victims of these criminals? “Here’s what to do,” Hector continued. “Instead of saying ‘yes’ to their first question, start by asking, ‘Who is calling?’ or ‘What is this about?’ It’s not rude – it’s about being smart.” Hector proceeded to highlight that if the caller “dodges the question”, there’s a “weird pause”, or something simply feels suspicious, then you should promptly terminate the call.

Responding in the comments, one TikTok user said: “Just don’t answer the phone. I do it all the time. I don’t know the number they can leave a message.” Hector concurred with the merits of this approach, replying: “Yup, most of the time ‘If it’s important, they’ll leave a message’ works.”

A second person advised: “Just answer with these words – ‘Can I help you?’ – the AI doesn’t understand and will hang up. Works every time.”

A third added: “I got a phone call this morning and I ignored it but the number came up it said suspected scam in the end I just blocked it and deleted it.” While a fourth TikTok user shared their strategy: “I answer by saying nothing, a normal person will think there is something wrong with the connection and say hello, a bot will just hang up.”

Earlier this year, Age UK advised the public that fraudsters are increasingly impersonating bank representatives and official bodies, luring their victims into making ill-advised purchases or investments. “Be aware that scammers can keep your phone line open even after you’ve hung up,” the charity said. “Use a different phone, call someone you know first to check the line is free, or wait at least 10 to 15 minutes between calls to make sure any scammers have hung up.”