Phoenix 24
A simple answer can become a digital trap.
Madrid, March 2026.
Cybersecurity experts warn that there is a seemingly harmless word many people say automatically when answering a call from an unknown number that can expose them to fraud: “yes.” Criminal groups conducting telephone scams increasingly rely on recording this response to later manipulate the victim’s voice and simulate authorization for financial or contractual operations.
The method is part of a broader category of fraud known as vishing, a form of social engineering in which criminals use phone calls to manipulate victims and obtain information or authorization for illicit transactions. Instead of hacking systems directly, scammers exploit human behavior, turning ordinary conversations into opportunities for deception.
When the victim answers a call, scammers often begin with simple questions such as “Can you hear me?” or “Is this Mr. or Ms. …?” The goal is not the information itself but the affirmative response. Once the person says “yes,” fraudsters can record the voice and later reuse the audio fragment to simulate consent for purchases, service subscriptions or financial approvals.
Specialists explain that modern digital tools make it easier to manipulate even very short voice recordings. A recorded “yes” can be inserted into other audio contexts to create the appearance that the victim verbally approved a transaction or agreement. In more sophisticated schemes, criminals combine the recording with personal data obtained from social networks or previous data leaks to make the fraud appear convincing.
The danger lies in how natural this response is. Most people answer unknown calls reflexively with words such as “yes,” “hello,” or “aló.” Fraud networks deliberately structure the opening of the conversation to provoke an immediate affirmative reply before the person has time to evaluate the situation.
Authorities and cybersecurity specialists recommend several precautions to reduce the risk of falling into this type of scam. One of the simplest strategies is avoiding direct affirmative responses when answering calls from unknown numbers. Instead of saying “yes,” experts suggest responding with neutral questions such as “Who is calling?” or simply waiting for the caller to identify themselves.
Another essential precaution is never sharing personal or financial information during unsolicited calls. Banks, government institutions and legitimate companies rarely request sensitive details such as passwords, verification codes or identification numbers through unexpected phone conversations.
Fraudsters often reinforce their strategy by creating a sense of urgency. They may claim there is a suspicious charge on a bank account, an issue with a package delivery or a supposed emergency involving a family member. The intention is to pressure the victim into reacting quickly without verifying the authenticity of the call.
Technological developments are also changing the landscape of telephone fraud. Advances in artificial intelligence and voice synthesis have made it possible to reconstruct or imitate voices using very short recordings. Although the technology varies in sophistication, these tools increase the potential impact of simple audio clips captured during ordinary phone conversations.
For this reason, cybersecurity experts emphasize that awareness remains the most effective form of protection. If a call comes from a number you do not recognize, allowing it to go to voicemail is often the safest choice. Legitimate callers typically leave a message or attempt to contact the person through other verified channels.
Telephone scams continue to be one of the most widespread forms of digital fraud worldwide because they rely on psychological manipulation rather than technical intrusion. By exploiting routine behavior and trust, scammers can persuade victims to participate unknowingly in schemes that compromise their identity or finances.
The practical lesson is simple but powerful. When an unfamiliar number appears on your phone, pause before responding. In a world where voices can be recorded, altered and reused, even a single word spoken without caution can become the opening move in a sophisticated fraud.