"Can You Hear Me?" Robocall Scam

A robocall or live scammer opens with a simple yes-or-no question like "can you hear me?" hoping to record you saying "yes," which they claim can later be used to authorize charges you never agreed to.

A robocall or live scammer opens with an innocuous-sounding question such as "Can you hear me?" hoping the victim instinctively answers "yes." Scammers have claimed a recorded "yes" can be spliced together with an unrelated recorded question to fake consent for a purchase or service the victim never agreed to. Whether the direct fraud through this exact recording is common has been debated by researchers, but the tactic remains widely used as an opener to keep victims engaged for further social engineering.

• The call opens with a simple yes/no question from an unfamiliar or robotic-sounding caller.
• The caller pushes to keep you talking and answering questions after the opener.
• The number calling appears local but doesn't match anyone you know (neighbor spoofing).
• You're later asked to confirm personal or account information on the same or a follow-up call.

• Simply hang up on robocalls instead of engaging, even to say "no."
• Answer with a neutral greeting rather than "yes" or "no" if you must respond.
• Never confirm personal details to an unsolicited caller, recorded or not.
• Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry to cut down on robocalls.