Yelp announced "Check for Me" on 20 October 2026: an AI calls a restaurant to ask the current wait time for a party, then texts the answer to the Yelp user. It is rolling out in the US. Yelp has not published how the calls introduce themselves or how to opt out.
How to recognise it
A short call asking how long the wait is for a party of a certain size, right now.
It usually does not book anything: it passes your answer on as a text message.
Yelp has not published the wording or the numbers it calls from.
Is it legit?
The feature is real and new (October 2026), rolling out in the US over the coming months. It is a different product from Yelp Host and Yelp Receptionist, which answer a restaurant’s own calls.
How to stop it or set your terms
Yelp has not published a way to opt out of Check for Me calls (checked 28 October 2026).
Keep your wait time or online waitlist up to date on your Yelp page; fewer people will need to ask.
Set your terms in the registry below.
What to say to the caller
"Right now the wait for [number] people is about [minutes]."
"Please join our online waitlist at [link]."
Red flags: probably a scam
It asks for money to remove reviews or to keep your listing.
It asks for your Yelp login or a code sent to your phone.
It asks for money, a card number, a password or a code sent to your phone.
It threatens that your listing will disappear or be marked closed unless you act now.
It cannot tell you who the customer is or how to reach them.
It pushes you to press a key, install something or open a link from a text message.
Set your terms once, for every AI caller
Agent Terms by snuepi is a free public registry: you say whether AI agents may contact you, on which channel, how often, and which booking rules apply. Agents that check the registry follow it, and you can print a door sign for staff.
Tell us about an AI call your business got. It takes a minute, needs no account and no personal data. Reports help other businesses tell real agents from scams.
Frequently asked questions
Does Yelp’s AI make a reservation?
Check for Me asks for the wait time and texts it to the user. It is not described as booking.
Is it in Europe?
We found only the US rollout. Please report any call in Europe below.
What if my own AI answers the phone?
Then two AIs talk. Reporting notes that this can confuse the conversation; keep your online wait time current.