How to Avoid a Say “Yes” Phone Scam

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is warning older adults about a phone scam called say “yes” or “can you hear me?” scams.These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and aim to take advantage of unsuspecting adults who may be more easily fooled. In a say "yes” scam, the caller will typically ask a question, like “Can you hear me?” or “Is this [name] speaking?” which encourages you to say “yes.” Soon after you answer, the call may drop without further conversation.

While this type of call may seem like a wrong number or innocent conversation, scammers record you saying “yes” to use your voice in fraudulent ways. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), getting one soundbite of your voice can be enough for a scammer to recreate a near-perfect version of your voice. They can then use your voice for even more advanced tricks, like manipulating a loved one by pretending to be you and asking for money.

Why are Seniors More Vulnerable to Scams?  

Understanding what makes seniors more vulnerable is key to protecting yourself from a phone scam. There are a few factors that come into play:

Increased Trust and Cooperation

Many older adults grew up in a time when people trusted each other more. In today’s world, where scams are more common, this trusting nature can unfortunately make them easy targets. Scammers exploit this trust, often by posing as official representatives (e.g., government workers, medical providers, or family members in distress) to manipulate seniors into providing sensitive information or money.

Lack of Awareness of Scams

Seniors may be more likely to fall victim to scams due to a lack of awareness about evolving tactics. Many are less familiar with the latest scams and phishing methods, making it harder to recognize warning signs. Unlike younger generations, who frequently share scam alerts online, older adults may have fewer opportunities to stay informed about emerging threats.

Scammers also exploit this gap in awareness by replicating phone numbers and emails from trusted organizations, making their deceptions more convincing. Without knowledge of these techniques, even cautious seniors can be targeted successfully.

Isolation and Limited Social Interaction

Many older adults can feel lonely due to health issues, living alone, or not seeing family and friends often. This isolation can make unsolicited phone calls feel like an opportunity for connection, increasing the likelihood of falling victim to scams.

In addition, having fewer friends and family around means seniors may not have anyone to help them check if a call is real. Without this kind of support, an older adult may be more likely to trust a stranger.

Cognitive Decline or Impaired Judgment  

Cognitive impairments can impact a person’s ability to use good judgment in their decisions. Scammers often use flattery or fear to manipulate their victims, tactics that can go unnoticed in someone with cognitive decline. For example, a scammer might say, “if you don’t do this now, you will lose your account.” Cognitive decline makes it harder to rationalize and respond to these kinds of emotional manipulation tactics.  

The decline in judgment can make seniors more likely to trust scammers, especially when they are posed with seemingly legitimate requests.

How to Avoid a Say “Yes” Scam

Thankfully, there are actions you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a say “yes” phone scam:

1. Don’t answer unknown calls.  If the call is important, the caller can leave a voicemail. This reduces the risk of engaging with potential scammers who may try to trick you into responding with “yes." 
   
   
2. Change your voicemail greeting. Avoid revealing personal information on your voicemail greeting. You can either use the automated message your phone offers — like “[Your phone number] is not available. At the tone, please record your message,” — or create your own short greeting. If you choose to record your own voice, keep it simple with just your first name if absolutely necessary.
   
   A generic voicemail greeting makes it harder for scammers to personalize their attacks. If they don’t know your name or other key details about you, it’s more difficult for them to craft a believe able scam.
   
   
3. Hang Up. Again, it may feel counterintuitive, but if you answer an unsolicited call — even though we suggest you don’t — and you feel suspicious, hang up. Scammers are great manipulators and will be persistent to get what they want. The longer you stay on the phone with them, the more they can threaten or persuade you to share personal information. Listen to your gut. If something feels off, hang up. If the caller claimed to be a legitimate business, call them back using the official contact information listed on their website.

Phone scams can be really tricky, and they often aim to take advantage of your personal information or money. If you do fall victim to a say “yes” scam, it’s a good idea to monitor your bank accounts and credit card activity closely.

If you notice any suspicious activity, contact your bank or credit card issuer right away. You can also report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. By understanding how say "yes" scams work, you can help yourself and others from falling victim to these increasingly dangerous scams.

If you want to learn more about safeguarding your personal information, our Aging Well Resource Coordinator is here to help. They can guide you through specific actions to take if you fall victim to a scam and connect you with trusted resources and tools to strengthen your online security, helping you stay protected against future scams.