---
title: "Silent Phone Calls Emerge as New Voice-Cloning Scam Tactic in Panama"
date: 2026-09-29
author: "Panama Daily News"
url: https://panamadaily.news/2026/09/29/silent-phone-calls-emerge-as-new-voice-cloning-scam-tactic-in-panama/
categories:
  - "Crime"
---

# Silent Phone Calls Emerge as New Voice-Cloning Scam Tactic in Panama

Cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm over a growing phone scam technique affecting Panamanians: silent calls. According to a report by Telemetro, criminals are placing calls in which no one speaks on the other end — but the call itself can be part of a scheme to capture a victim’s voice and personal data for later use in fraud.

## What Happened

Experts consulted by Telemetro explained that silent calls have become a tool used by cybercriminals to carry out scams through two main mechanisms: voice cloning and the harvesting of personal data. When a person answers a silent call, they may instinctively say hello multiple times or even provide information in response to prompts. Each of those utterances can potentially be recorded.

With advances in artificial intelligence, even a short audio sample can be used to replicate a person’s voice. Scammers can then use that cloned voice to impersonate the victim when contacting family members, banks, or other institutions, making fraudulent requests far more convincing.

The experts also warned that these calls can serve as a way to confirm that a phone number is active and that the owner responds, information that can then be sold or used in follow-up fraud attempts, including phishing calls and messages.

## Background

Voice cloning has become one of the most prominent tools in modern financial fraud worldwide. Artificial intelligence services capable of imitating a voice from brief audio samples have become widely accessible, dramatically lowering the barrier for criminals. A common scam pattern involves impersonating a relative — often claiming an emergency such as an accident or arrest — and urgently requesting money transfers.

Panama has seen repeated warnings from authorities and consumer protection agencies about phone-based fraud in recent years, including impostor schemes, fake bank representatives, and phishing messages. As internet penetration and mobile phone use remain high across the country, residents are frequent targets for both domestic and international fraud networks.

Silent calls add a new layer to this threat landscape because they exploit natural human behavior: the instinct to keep speaking when no one answers. That spontaneous speech is exactly the raw material voice-cloning scams require.

## What This Means for Panama

For residents of Panama, the warning underscores the importance of treating unexpected calls with caution. Experts advise hanging up quickly on silent calls rather than repeatedly saying hello, and never providing personal, financial, or verification information to unknown callers.

Families can also establish simple safety protocols, such as agreeing on a code word or a callback verification step before acting on any urgent money request, particularly ones supposedly coming from a relative in distress.

As voice-cloning technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, experts say public awareness remains the most effective defense. Panamanians who suspect they have been targeted by a scam attempt can report it to the relevant authorities, helping disrupt fraud networks operating in the region.

This story was originally reported by [Telemetro](https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/llamadas-silenciosas-expertos-alertan-modalidad-estafa-n6093337).