Answering “hello” to an unknown phone number may inadvertently provide scammers with a biometric sample of your voice, which can be harvested by AI-powered robocalls. Cybersecurity firm Bitdefender reports that these automated systems use silence to bait users into speaking, confirming that a line is active and capturing vocal data that may later be used for identity theft or sophisticated phishing attacks.
How do silent call scams function?
Silent calls rely on automated dialers, or “robocalls,” that cycle through thousands of numbers to identify active lines. According to Bitdefender, these systems remain silent when a user picks up, waiting for the recipient to speak first. If the user says “hello,” the system marks the number as active and often records the audio snippet. This data is then categorized and frequently sold on the dark web, where it becomes a high-value asset for organized fraud syndicates.
Can AI really clone your voice from a single “hello”?
While a single word is rarely enough to build a perfect, hour-long deepfake, it provides a sufficient foundation for basic voice-matching algorithms. Attorney Antoine Chéron stated on CNEWS that AI can “capture” a user’s voice during these calls to facilitate identity theft. Once a sufficient voice profile is built—often supplemented by data scraped from social media—scammers can mimic a user’s timbre and intonation. These clones are then used in “emergency” calls to family members, requesting urgent wire transfers or attempting to bypass voice-based banking security.
How to protect your voice and identity
If you have already answered a suspicious silent call, the risk of immediate exploitation is low, but you should tighten your security practices. The French government’s 33700 platform and the ARCEP watchdog advise users to remain vigilant against caller ID spoofing.
- Adopt a “Silence First” approach: When an unknown number calls, let it ring or answer in silence. If the caller does not speak first, hang up immediately.
- Use built-in filters: Activate native spam and unknown caller blocking features available in both iOS and Android settings.
- Report suspicious activity: Forward details of potential scams to the 33700 service or report them to the DGCCRF if you suffer a financial loss.
- Establish a family protocol: Create a “safe word” or secret passphrase with your family to verify identity during any unexpected call involving requests for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it dangerous to say “hello” to an unknown number?
It is not inherently dangerous, but it confirms to automated systems that your phone number is valid. This increases the likelihood of receiving more spam calls in the future.
Can someone steal my identity with just one word?
A single word is usually insufficient for a high-quality clone. However, scammers often combine small audio snippets with data from social media to build a more convincing profile over time.
What should I do if I suspect a voice-cloning scam?
If you receive a call from a “relative” asking for money, hang up and call that person back on a number you know is legitimate. Do not trust the caller’s voice implicitly.
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