According to Pew Research, 73% of U.S. adults have experienced some form of online scam or attack, and these schemes cut across every age group. Most people report getting scam calls, texts, or emails at least once a week, which shows just how common and disruptive these tactics have become.

Among the most persistent tactics is the can you hear me phone scam. This scheme lures people into saying “yes” so scammers can capture a recording and attempt to misuse it for fraudulent purposes.

In this guide, we explain how the can you hear me phone scam operates, why it is dangerous, and what you can do to protect yourself.

What Is the Can You Hear Me Phone Scam?

The can you hear me phone scam is a call designed to capture a simple “yes” from the person who answers. Scammers usually begin with a question such as “Can you hear me?” or “Are you there?” so that the response feels natural. The call may come from a spoofed number to appear local or familiar, increasing the chance that someone will pick up.

It is effective because most people instinctively answer “yes” without thinking. Once recorded, that response can be misused as false proof of authorization for a purchase, service agreement, or other transaction. In some cases, scammers combine the clip with other stolen details to make fraudulent charges appear legitimate.

Typical red flags include vague introductions, pressure to respond quickly, and abrupt hang-ups right after you answer, all signs that the scammer has captured what they wanted. Spotting these patterns early makes it easier to end the call before any damage is done.

Why the Can You Hear Me Phone Scam Is Dangerous

The can you hear me phone scam poses more than just an annoyance. Scammers use the tactic to open the door to several forms of fraud that can have lasting consequences.

Voice Authentication Fraud

Many financial institutions, utilities, and service providers rely on verbal confirmation as part of their security process. A recorded “yes” can be spliced into another call to impersonate the victim and attempt unauthorized changes to accounts or payments. Even if companies now use more advanced authentication, the risk of misuse still exists.

Cramming Scams

Fraudsters may use the recording as false authorization to sign the victim up for expensive services. These unauthorized charges, often added to a phone bill, are known as “cramming.” Victims may not notice the small, recurring charges right away, giving scammers more time to profit.

Data Collection and Targeting

Even if the initial recording is not used for direct fraud, the scam serves another purpose. It helps to identify active phone numbers.

Once a victim answers and responds, the number can be flagged as valuable and sold to other scammers. This often results in more frequent and persistent scam calls, which can escalate into phishing attempts, identity theft, or larger financial schemes.

Taken together, these risks highlight why the can you hear me scam remains a serious threat despite its simple setup.

How to Protect Yourself From the Can You Hear Me Phone Scam

Avoiding the can you hear me phone scam requires both awareness and action. Protect yourself with these tips:

  • Do Not Say “Yes.” If an unknown caller asks “Can you hear me?” or similar, hang up without responding.
  • Use Call Blocking Tools. Many carriers and third-party apps let you block or filter spam calls.
  • Run a Reverse Phone Number Search. If you keep getting suspicious calls, a reverse phone number search can help you learn who is behind them.
  • Monitor Your Accounts. If you already answered, review phone bills and financial accounts for unauthorized charges.
  • Report the Scam. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) so the activity can be tracked.

Whether you have only received suspicious calls or already answered one, these steps can help limit the risk. Taking action quickly not only protects your own information but also makes it harder for scammers to succeed against others.

Alertness Helps Avoid the Can You Hear Me Phone Scam

The can you hear me phone scam succeeds because it exploits natural reflexes. Recognizing the warning signs, making use of tools like reverse lookups, and reporting suspicious calls can stop scammers before they gain ground.

Staying cautious and informed is the strongest defense. When more people understand how this scheme works, its ability to cause harm quickly diminishes.