Among the words you should avoid using in phone calls are affirmative answers like “yes ,” a term that scammers exploit to legitimize transactions without your real consent. This phenomenon, known as “yes fraud ,” involves recording your voice saying that word and then manipulating it to simulate authorizations for transactions or legal agreements. Therefore, it’s best to opt for neutral responses or questions that allow you to confirm the caller’s identity, such as: “What is the reason for your call?” or “Who are you calling from?”
But it’s not just saying “yes” that’s risky. Common greetings like “hello” or “hello” can also be used by automated systems designed to verify that the number is active and that the voice belongs to a real person. By saying these words, you indirectly confirm that your phone is in use and that your voice is “valid” for future fraud attempts. When faced with an unknown call, the safest thing to do is wait for the caller to identify themselves first or respond with phrases that reveal the caller’s intention, such as “Who am I speaking to?” or “How can I help you?”
