12 Indicators That Someone Is Being Deceptive on the Phone

When a person's throat muscles tense up from nervousness, they may clear their throat. If someone feels the pressure of a lie, clearing their throat becomes a natural response to release the tension. You may also hear their voice become shaky or crack more frequently than usual.

• However, keep in mind that throat clearing can also occur due to common anxiety or stress, especially during a tense discussion.

A higher-pitched voice is often associated with stress and potential deception. Liars often speak in a higher pitch due to the tension that builds up in their throat. If you know the person well, compare their voice to their normal tone. If you don’t, listen for an unusually loud voice, which could indicate they're trying too hard to sound convincing and confident.

When people fabricate elaborate lies, they need extra time to invent a convincing story. As a result, they often hesitate before answering questions and might pause mid-explanation when fabricating details. Is your potential liar taking longer than usual to respond? Are they speaking more slowly than normal?

• A complex lie involves constructing an elaborate explanation or recounting a series of events.
• A simpler lie (less likely to cause hesitation) might involve something like describing someone's appearance or what they ate.
• Conversations between two people who trust each other generally flow smoothly. If you sense that someone is taking a bit too long to reply, trust your instincts—they might be lying!

Liars often use filler words to stall for time. Think of these as the verbal equivalent of fidgeting—many people do it, but liars tend to rely on them more when they feel nervous. A liar may use filler words to buy time, collect their thoughts, and figure out their next move. On average, speakers use about five filler words per minute, so try counting how often the potential liar uses them. You might notice their “um” count rising.

• Filler words also include terms like “so,” “you know,” “ah,” and “like.”
• Keep in mind that some individuals naturally use more fillers than others, so consider this when comparing their “um” count to the average.

Look out for indirect language or hedging. Some individuals speak with uncertainty to avoid outright lying. This tactic helps them distance themselves from the consequences of delivering false information.

• Notice if someone frequently uses conditional words like “could have,” “might have been,” or “should have” instead of direct words like “can,” “was,” or “did.”
• For example, saying, “Well, I guess I just forgot Jamie and I had plans” sounds less truthful than “I forgot Jamie and I had plans.”

Liars often prefer to keep things simple when answering questions. Honest people have no reason to hide details, so they tend to give more information. Pay attention to whether the person you suspect is avoiding names, details about activities, or clear timelines. A liar may even go so far as to avoid using personal pronouns like “I” or “me.”

• For example, if you ask your partner, “What were you up to on Friday night?” and they reply with “We went out,” that’s a surprisingly vague answer.
• If a colleague says, “Most of the shipments got approved,” but can’t say how many or when, they may not be telling you the truth.

Trust your instincts if someone's actions seem off. A liar may alter their personality to appear more trustworthy. For example, they might suddenly adopt an unusually upbeat or overly positive demeanor to seem more convincing. Liars tend to shy away from negative words in an effort to sound more genuine.

• If a typically talkative friend suddenly becomes quiet or withdrawn, it might be a sign something’s wrong.
• If a family member who usually speaks casually starts using overly formal language, they could be hiding something.

When people feel cornered, they often become defensive or lash out. Notice how the person reacts when you ask tough questions. Are they staying calm, or do they seem to be pushing back against you? If they deny things too forcefully or insist they're telling the truth in a way that feels over the top, they may be trying to deceive you. Here are a few ways a liar might get defensive:

• They may play the victim. For example, they might say, “You always accuse me of things after work!”
• They might claim you’re overreacting. Watch for phrases like, “You’re just imagining things.”
• They might downplay or justify their actions. A lying boss might explain, “I didn’t credit you for that sale because it was a team achievement, and you wouldn't have done it without our new system.”

Liars often deflect by changing the subject or using excuses to avoid answering. If someone is trying to steer the conversation elsewhere or says something like, “I’ll get back to you later,” that’s usually a red flag. Take a moment to evaluate the situation. Are they genuinely busy, or are they avoiding something? To bring the conversation back to the topic at hand, you could say:

• “Can we focus on this issue for now? I really need to understand your perspective.”
• “I’ve been wanting to discuss this for a while; can we talk about it now?”
• “I’m feeling a bit anxious about this. Can we find a solution together?”

Using humor can be a tactic to deflect or cover up discomfort. Pay close attention to any sarcastic or overly casual responses. If someone seems to treat the issue too lightly, they might be trying to downplay their involvement in the situation to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

• The best way to handle sarcasm is to ignore it and respond seriously.
• If someone laughs off a serious topic, you can respond with, “I know this might sound strange, but I’m really looking for some answers.”

Ask straightforward questions to pressure the liar into providing a clear answer. If they can’t give a simple yes or no, it’s a major indicator they’re evading the truth. This is a classic sign of dishonesty! Additionally, if they deflect the question or try to make you feel guilty for asking, it’s another red flag that they’re not being truthful.

• For example, if you suspect your boyfriend might be cheating, ask, “Were you with Marissa on Friday night?”
• If you think a friend might be lying about leaving you out, ask, “Are you and the group going to the movies on Saturday?”

Sometimes people lie because they feel they can’t be honest with you. Approach the situation with patience and empathy, and try to understand the other person’s point of view. While it’s easy to label a liar as untrustworthy, the reality might be different! Use a calm and understanding tone when asking them to clarify their perspective. It’s possible they lied because they didn’t feel comfortable being truthful with you. You can improve communication and uncover the truth by asking questions like:

• “I sense some disconnect between what we’re saying. Where do you think that’s coming from?”
• “Can you explain why you left early on Friday? The texts you sent seemed upset, even though you said everything was fine.”
• “Hey, I noticed some inconsistencies with your timecard. Could you help me understand what’s going on?”