The Danger of Saying "Yes" to a Spam Caller
Scammers often try to record your voice saying "yes". Learn how this scam works, the potential risks, and how to protect yourself.
The "Can You Hear Me?" Scam
You answer the phone, and a friendly voice asks, "Can you hear me?" Instinctively, you reply, "Yes." Without realizing it, you may have just fallen victim to a sophisticated voice-recording scam.
How the Scam Works
Fraudsters record your affirmative response to use as a voice signature. Armed with your recorded "Yes," they can authorize fraudulent charges on stolen credit cards or sign you up for expensive utility services that rely on verbal confirmation.
Are You Really at Risk?
While the FTC has issued warnings about this tactic, successfully pulling off a scam using just a voice recording is difficult, as most financial institutions require additional security verification. However, the recording can still be used to intimidate you into paying fake invoices.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never answer with "Yes": If an unknown caller asks if you can hear them, reply with "I can hear you" or "Who is calling?"
- Hang up immediately: If you suspect a robocall or scam, do not engage. Just hang up.
- Monitor your statements: Check your bank and utility statements regularly for unauthorized charges if you suspect you've been targeted.