February 3, 2026, 7:33 am | Read time: 2 minutes
A new scam uses silent callers to record voices and use them for fraudulent purposes. This method is spreading worldwide, allowing criminals to deceive victims.
Phone scams are steadily increasing. Criminals employ various methods to deceive their victims. A new scam has emerged that uses so-called “silent calls.” During these calls, the perpetrators remain silent to record the voice of the person called and use it fraudulently.
The Danger of Silent Calls
In this scam, criminals make targeted calls and say nothing. The recipients usually answer with “Hello” or their name. These responses are recorded and later used to create an artificial voice. Often, just a few sentences are enough to create such a voice.
As Bitdefender reports, this method is spreading worldwide. The scammers hang up once they have enough material. The goal is to use the victim’s voice for further scams, such as asking friends or family for money. Some criminals also check if the number is active to use it later for other scams.
Also interesting: Scammers Wait on the Phone for a Specific Word
Protective Measures Against Phone Scams
It’s important to adjust your behavior on the phone and be cautious, especially with silent calls. Some measures can help protect yourself:
- Answer with a simple “Hello” or another greeting.
- Avoid saying “Yes,” as this could be misused to simulate consent, such as for contract agreements.
- Block and report suspicious calls to avoid further harassment.
- Do not return calls to unknown numbers, as this can incur high costs.
- Agree on a code word with your family for real emergencies.
- Stay informed about current scams to better protect yourself.