Beware of the “Yes” scam! Learn how scammers use your voice to commit fraud, and get tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this growing threat.
It starts with a seemingly innocent question: “Can you hear me?”
You answer, “Yes.”
What follows might be silence—or worse. That one word, captured on a recorded call, can become a tool in the hands of scammers looking to commit fraud in your name.
What Is the “Yes” Scam?
The “Yes” scam is a growing form of phone fraud in the U.S. In this tactic, scammers call unsuspecting individuals and ask a question designed to elicit a “yes” response.
Once recorded, that one-word answer can be edited and used as fake verbal consent for unauthorized transactions, service agreements, or even identity theft.
Filipino Americans and other immigrant communities are particularly vulnerable, as scammers often impersonate familiar institutions—banks, government agencies, or customer service representatives—using urgency and confusion to manipulate their targets.
Why Saying “Yes” Is Risky
Scammers may use your recorded voice to:
- Authorize charges or services you never requested.
- Bypass voice-authentication systems at banks or service providers.
- Pressure you into “confirming” subscriptions or memberships you never agreed to.
You’re right to be cautious. Scammers often use tactics like recording your voice saying “yes” to potentially misuse it for fraudulent purposes, such as authorizing charges.
How to Avoid the “Yes” Scam
Protect yourself by following these simple steps:
- Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers – Let them go to voicemail.
- If you answer, don’t say “yes” – Instead, respond with, “Who is this?” or “How can I help you?”
- Never give personal information – Scammers may ask, “Can you hear me?” or other leading questions.
- Hang up if something feels off – If the caller seems suspicious or pressures you, end the call immediately.
- Block and report the number – This can help stop future scam attempts.
What to Do If You’ve Already Said “Yes”
If you suspect you’ve been targeted:
- Monitor your financial accounts closely. Look for any unusual activity.
- Contact your bank or credit card provider and let them know you may have been scammed.
- Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Warn your friends and family—especially older relatives—so they can avoid similar scams.
Community Awareness Is Key
Filipinos in the U.S. are known for their strong family ties, generosity, and trust in community. But these values can sometimes be exploited by those with malicious intent.
Let’s look out for one another. Share this information with your lola, your tita, your friends. A single conversation could prevent someone you love from becoming a victim.
In today’s digital world, staying alert and informed is your best protection. And sometimes, silence really is golden—especially when it keeps you safe.
