Saying a simple “Yes” on a phone call and losing money from your bank account may sound shocking, but a new cyber fraud known as the Yes Scam (or Say Yes Scam) is increasingly coming to light. This scam is a modern form of cybercrime in which fraudsters misuse your voice recording to target your bank account. It is also referred to as a Voice Recording Scam.
What Is Yes Scam?
In this scam, cybercriminals call victims from unknown numbers that often appear to be local. They ask very simple questions such as:
“Can you hear me?”
“Am I speaking to [your name]?”
“Are you the owner of this house?”
“Is this a good time to talk?”
Naturally, most people respond with “Yes.” The scammer records this response and later misuses it for fraudulent activities.
How Can Your Bank Account Be Emptied?
Scammers use the recorded “Yes” as voice authentication.
Many banks, financial services, and credit card companies use voice commands to verify identity.
Fraudsters may use your voice to approve transactions, open new accounts, or subscribe to services without your consent.
With the help of AI and deepfake technology, even a short voice sample can be used to replicate your voice convincingly.
How to Protect Yourself from Yes Scam
Be cautious of unknown numbers. Avoid answering calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
Don’t reply with a direct “Yes.” Instead, say things like “Who is calling?” or “I can hear you.”
If the caller seems suspicious or repeatedly asks questions that require only a “Yes” response, hang up immediately.
Do not rely solely on voice authentication for banking. Always enable SMS or app-based two-factor authentication (OTP).
What to Do If You Accidentally Say ‘Yes’
Monitor your bank statements and credit card bills closely.
If you notice any suspicious transaction, inform your bank immediately.
Call the Government of India’s Cyber Helpline at 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.
How to Block Spam and Scam Calls on Your Phone
1. Open your phone’s Dialer (Phone app).
2. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner and go to Settings.
3. Select Caller ID & Spam.
4. Turn on “See caller and spam ID” and “Filter spam calls.”
Once enabled, suspected scam calls will be flagged in red, and Google will automatically mark them as Spam, helping you stay protected.
