Tech expert warns 'never say yes' to three questions from callers you don't recognise

A tech expert has issued a stark warning that the speed of artificial intelligence (AI) development has allowed scam phone calls to become frighteningly sophisticated. Hector Chavez began his cautionary message by stressing that people should never say the word, 'Yes' when speaking to callers from unknown numbers.

"Scammers are getting smarter," he declared in a TikTok video. "They're launching calls with straightforward queries such as, 'Can you hear me?', 'Are you the homeowner?' and 'Do you have a moment to talk?'" These three seemingly innocent questions are crafted to trap call recipients by capturing their voice saying '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."

But how can we keep ourselves safe from these nuisance calls?

"Here's what to do," Hector advised. "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 also highlighted that if the caller "dodges the question" or there's an "awkward silence" or something simply doesn't feel right, you should immediately terminate the call.

One TikTok user responded by writing: "Just don't answer the phone. I do it all the time. I don't know the number they can leave a message."

Hector endorsed this approach, responding: "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 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."

Whilst a fourth TikTok user revealed their tactic: "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 warned the public that scammers are increasingly cloning bank representatives and official bodies and enticing their victims into making unwise 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.

"You can use an answerphone on your landline or voicemail on your mobile to screen your calls. Get a caller ID device to see who’s calling. But be aware that some scammers appear as a legitimate number, for example, your bank or utility company."