Avoid answering the phone with that specific phrase
In the digital age, an unknown call can potentially lead to a costly and risky situation. The Consumer Advice Centre North Rhine-Westphalia has issued a warning against saying "yes" to an unknown caller on the phone.
Scammers can exploit your voice recording in several harmful ways by recording your "yes" or any affirmative response. They may use AI technology to create realistic voice impersonations, posing as you to ask for money or sensitive information from your family or others under false pretenses. Just a few seconds of your voice can create these deepfake impersonations.
By answering unknown calls, you are confirming that your phone number is active and receptive, leading to increased spam calls and targeted attempts to extract personal or financial information.
Saying "yes" or giving any form of affirmative answer can also be used by scammers to manipulate or authenticate you without your knowledge. Many scams rely on tricking victims into verbal confirmation to bypass security checks or validate fraudulent transactions.
To safeguard your privacy and security, experts and cybersecurity authorities recommend either not answering unknown calls at all or, if you do, *never say "yes" or provide any other affirmative response*. Instead, let the caller speak first to assess legitimacy or simply hang up.
Additionally, avoid answering any question with "yes" - use full sentences instead. Be wary of questions like "Can you hear me?" or "Are you still there?" as scammers may try to get a "yes" from you.
If you've already answered a question with "yes" beforehand, you might still receive mail. In such cases, write a letter to the sender immediately, stating that no such contract was ever concluded and that you object to it.
It's important to remember that your words can be taken out of context by an unknown caller. If you've fallen for a phone scam, do not let yourself be intimidated. Do not pay the amount stated on the bill that follows.
Scammers can edit the conversation to make it seem like you agreed to a contract or purchase with your "yes". They may also use false phone recordings to pressure and intimidate if you refuse to pay.
To further protect yourself, consider using call-blocking tools or apps that warn or block potential scam numbers. When dealing with calls claiming to be from businesses, saying "I will call you back after verifying" can help. Legitimate companies will respect this.
By adopting this cautious approach, you can minimise risks related to voice recording scams, identity theft, and financial exploitation initiated through unsolicited phone calls.
Technology can be exploited by scammers when they Record your "yes" or any affirmative response, using AI technology to create deepfake voice impersonations and request money or sensitive information under false pretenses. To safeguard your privacy and security, experts recommend either not answering unknown calls or, if you do, never say "yes" or give an affirmative response and instead let the caller speak first or simply hang up.
