A tech expert has issued a warning about increasingly sophisticated AI voice fraud scam phone calls – and there are three questions you should never answer with a ‘yes’
A tech expert has warned that phone scammers are getting smarter and more sophisticated, using AI to record your voice – and there are three questions you should never answer with a simple ‘yes'(Image: Getty)
A technology expert has issued a stark warning that the swift progression of artificial intelligence (AI) is enabling scam phone calls to grow ever more convincing.
Hector Chavez began his caution by advising that you should never respond with ‘Yes’ to unfamiliar callers.
“Scammers are getting smarter,” he stated in a 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 questions are designed to trap the person answering, purely by recording their voice saying ‘Yes’. Hector explained on TikTok: “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 being caught out by 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.”
A tech expert issued important advice regarding AI and scam phone calls (stock)(Image: The Good Brigade via Getty Images)
He went on to emphasise that if the caller “dodges the question” or there’s a “weird pause” or something simply doesn’t sit right, then you should just end the call, reports the Mirror.
In response, one TikTok user commented: “Just don’t answer the phone. I do it all the time. I don’t know the number they can leave a message.”
Hector agreed with the effectiveness of this approach, replying: “Yup, most of the time ‘If it’s important, they’ll leave a message’ works.”
A second person suggested: “Just answer with these words – ‘Can I help you?’ – the AI doesn’t understand and will hang up. Works every time.”
A third commented: “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.”
Meanwhile, 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.”
Scam caller(Image: Getty Images)
Earlier this year, Age UK cautioned the public that fraudsters are progressively impersonating bank staff and official organisations and luring their targets into making foolish purchases or investments.
“Be aware that scammers can keep your phone line open even after you’ve hung up,” the charity advised.
“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.”
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