newYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
You will love me for this.
Let’s say you call customer service because you need help. Maybe your bill is wrong, your service is down, or you want a refund. Instead of answering a person, a cheerful AI voice answers you and drops you into an endless loop of misunderstood menus and prompts. Now what?
This is not an accident. Many companies use what insiders call “frustrating AI.” The system is specifically designed to tire you out until you hang up and walk away.
Not today. (Get more tips like this on GetKim.com)
FOX NEWS Poll: Voters say they’re slowing down AI development, but don’t know who should direct it
Here are some ways to bypass “frustrating” AI bots. (Sebastian Kahnert/Image Alliance via Getty Images)
Use magic words
You want a human being. For starters, don’t explain your problem. This is the trap. You need words that AI is programmed to handle differently.
Nuclear Phrases: When the AI bot asks why you are calling, say “I want to cancel my service” or “I will take a call.” The word “cancel” sets off red flags and often sends you straight to the customer retention team. Saying that you are answering a call indicates an existing problem that the bot cannot track. I used that last weekend when the internet went out, and I had a human.
Power words: When the system starts listing options, clearly say one word: “Admin.” If that doesn’t work, say, “I need to file a formal complaint.” Most systems are not programmed to handle complaints or moderators. It escalates quickly.
Technical Override: Are you required to enter your account number? Press the pound key (#) instead of numbers. Many legacy systems treat unexpected input as error and default to humans.
OPENAI Announces Upgrades to CHTGPT Images with “4X Faster Generation Speed”
“Supervisor” is a magic word that can make you a human being on the other end of the line. (Neil Goodwin/Future via Getty Images)
Go above the robots
If direct commands fail with the AI, be a confused human.
The Law of Frustration: When an AI bot asks a question, pause. Wait 10 seconds before answering. These systems are designed for quick and clean responses. Long pauses can often interrupt the flow and send your call to a human.
The Incomprehensible Metaphor: Stuck in a Vicious Circle? 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.
Language barrier trick: If a company offers multiple languages, choose a language that is not your primary language or does not match your accent. The AI often gives up quickly and directs you to a human trained to handle language issues.
Use these tricks when you need help. You’re asking for a service, not an AI bot.
Click here to download the FOX NEWS app
Long pauses and garbled language can also result in you being referred to as a human. (Istock)
Be more tech savvy with your schedule
- National Radio: It is broadcast on over 500 stations across the United States. Find your channel or get the free podcast.
- Daily bulletin: Join 650,000 people reading the current (free!) newsletter.
- He watches: On Kim’s YouTube channel
Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating technology.
Copyright 2026, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.