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🤖 Secret phrases to get you past AI bot customer service


You want a human. For starters, don’t explain your issue. That’s the trap. You need words the AI has been programmed to treat differently.
  • Nuclear phrases: When the AI bot asks why you’re calling, say, “I need to cancel my service” or “I am returning a call.” The word cancel sets off alarms and often sends you straight to the customer retention team. Saying you’re returning a call signals an existing issue the bot cannot track. I used that last weekend when my internet went down and bam, I had a human.
  • Power words: When the system starts listing options, clearly say one word. “Supervisor.” If that doesn’t work, say, “I need to file a formal complaint.” Most systems are not programmed to deal with complaints or supervisors. They escalate fast.
    • Technical bypass: Asked to enter your account number? Press the pound key (#) instead of numbers. Many older systems treat unexpected input as an error and default to a human.


If direct commands fail with AI, be a confused human.

  • The Frustration Act: When the AI bot asks a question, pause. Wait 10 seconds before answering. These systems are built for fast, clean responses. Long pauses often break the flow and send your call to a human.
  • The Unintelligible Bypass: Stuck in a loop? Act like your phone connection is terrible. Say garbled words or nonsense. After the system says, “I’m having trouble understanding you” three times, many bots automatically transfer you to a live agent.
    • The Language Barrier Trick: If the company offers multiple languages, choose one that’s not your primary language or does not match your accent. The AI often gives up quickly and routes you to a human trained to handle language issues.


Use these tricks when you need help. You are calling for service, not an AI bot.


https://thecurrent.komando.com/p/secret-phrases-to-get-you-past-ai-bot-customer-service

backup: https://archive.ph/Xlzzf

in reply to Lisa Stranger

further info on the "AI mistake that triggered a middle-school lockdown" (in thumbnail)... not only was the kid carrying his musical instrument like a gun, he was also dressed in a costume (for legit purposes) that involved camo and body armor

the dreaded AI actually got it right... dammit

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