'Never say yes' to three questions when your phone rings

A tech expert has warned that the rapid progression of artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled scam telephone calls to reach new levels of sophistication.

Hector Chavez began his alert by advising that you should never say 'Yes' to unknown callers. "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 questions are designed to catch the recipient of the call out, simply by recording their voice responding, 'Yes'.

Hector explained: "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 do we avoid falling foul of these fraudsters? "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 went on to point out that if the caller "dodges the question" or there's a "weird pause" or something just feels off, then you should simply hang up.

Writing in response, 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 agreed with the effectiveness of this stance, 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.

Whilst 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 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."