Telephone Scam: Can You Hear Me?

An incoming call makes your phone vibrate and ring. The number? Unfamiliar. You answer, and a voice on the other end asks, "Can you hear me?" Almost instinctively, you reply, "Yes." But could this seemingly harmless response be the gateway to fraud? Some experts warn that it might be.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Western Pennsylvania first raised the alarm about the "Can you hear me?" scam in October 2016. Media outlets soon spread the warning. Over the following year, reports of similar scams emerged across the U.S., prompting law enforcement agencies in multiple states to caution consumers.

How the Scam Works

The premise of the scam is simple: tricking victims into giving a verbal confirmation that fraudsters can then exploit. Scammers may use the recorded "yes" to authorize charges on a victim’s credit card or phone bill.

While the most common ploy involves asking, "Can you hear me?" any yes/no question can serve the same purpose. The scammer’s objective is clear—capture a recorded "yes" for unauthorized transactions.

Is Verbal Authorization Enough?

It’s important to note that verbal authorization alone is not sufficient for most fraudulent transactions. Scammers must already have access to personal details such as credit card numbers or phone account credentials. Some experts even debate whether the recorded "yes" is truly necessary when scammers already possess such data.

Nevertheless, authorities, including the BBB and law enforcement, urge consumers to stay cautious. Even if verbal consent isn't legally binding, engaging with scammers may allow them to verify or collect more personal details.

How to Protect Yourself

The "Can you hear me?" scam is just one of many tactics used to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Protect yourself by following these simple steps:

• Ignore calls from unknown numbers.
• Never share personal or financial information over the phone.
• Hang up immediately if asked an unsolicited yes/no question.
• Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized activity.

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by this scam, report it to local authorities. You can also register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help reduce unwanted calls.