--- title: "Outsmarting the 'Can You Hear Me' Scam: Hang Up! | Hiya" description: "With the “can you hear me scam,” scammers get you to say \"Yes,\" record it, and use it to authorize charges. Always hang up and report the number." image: https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/CanYouHearME-620x420-1.png --- [![Hiya logo](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/hiya-new-purple.svg)](https://www.hiya.com/) Solutions Solutions [For Mobile Operators Protect your network](https://www.hiya.com/solutions/operators) [For Businesses Brand your calls](https://www.hiya.com/solutions/businesses) [For People Get the mobile app](https://www.hiya.com/products/apps/hiya-spam-blocker) ###### Webinar Branded Calling 101 Weekly Webinar Make your company's calls more recognizable. Learn how Hiya can drive value for your business. 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[Hiya Team](https://blog.hiya.com/author/hiya-team) Sep. 20, 2020 [![](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/icon-fb.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.hiya.com/can-you-hear-me-now-scam/) [![](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/icon-x.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.hiya.com/can-you-hear-me-now-scam/&text=Outsmarting+the+%27Can+You+Hear+Me%27+scam%3A+hang+up%21) [![](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/icon-linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.hiya.com/can-you-hear-me-now-scam/) ## At a glance ![](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/CanYouHearME-620x420-1.png) Sometimes, it can be challenging to hear the person on the other end of the line when answering a call. This could be due to several things: a loud room, static, traffic through a tunnel, an unfamiliar voice, screaming children —  the reasons are endless. However,  when receiving an unexpected call asking, “Can you hear me?” our advice is this: hang up immediately. **What is the “Can You Hear Me” scam?** According to the [BBB](http://www.bbb.org/pittsburgh/news-events/bbb-scam-alerts/2016/10/bbb-scam-alert-can-you-hear-me/), a scam hitting cities nationwide has affected victims since last year. This new scam uses [Verizon’s well-known phrase, “Can you hear me now?”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPwPo-IAQ-E) and records victims who say “yes.” The recording is used to authorize several unwanted charges, including phone and utility bills, services, products, and pre-approved credit cards. Unfortunately, because of [scams like this](https://blog.hiya.com/deep-dive-scam-numbers/?hsLang=en), customers avoid answering calls from phone numbers with no caller ID–including local businesses they work with. In fact, [87% of consumers](https://www.hiya.com/state-of-the-call) think unidentified calls are fraud. This can significantly interrupt communication channels with businesses’ valuable customers and affect answer rates. ##### **All it takes is one “Yes”** So, how can a recording of one “yes” give a scammer access to meddle with personal expenses or purchases? Before making the first call, most scammers may already have their victim’s information – phone bills, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.  What makes the “yes” recording even worse is that when unauthorized charges are detected, the “yes” can be used against the victim, countering the dispute on the charges. Without even realizing it, before it’s too late, you’re informed that there has been verbal approval for the charges. ##### **How to prevent the "Can you hear me?" scam** Whether you feel you’ve been victimized or you want to prevent yourself from becoming a “Can you hear me now?” scammer’s next victim, here are a few things you should keep in mind to stay off their radar: - Do your due diligence and make a habit of checking your credit card, phone, cable or any bills for charges you do not recognize. If you find unauthorized charges, be sure to dispute them. If you are told that you had previously authorized the charges, ask for proof of your approval. If you have trouble disputing an unauthorized charge on your credit card bill, contact the [Federal Trade Commission](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0219-disputing-credit-card-charges). If you find an amount on your phone bill, contact the [Federal Communications Commission](https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=39744). - Be aware of the [most common spam area codes](https://blog.hiya.com/top-ten-spam-area-codes/?hsLang=en) to avoid getting caught by scammers. If you receive a call from an unexpected solicitor, save yourself time and grief by hanging up immediately. It’s not rude. It’s just playing it safe. - Avoid becoming a victim by downloading [a caller ID and call-blocking app](https://hiya.app.link/blog?my_placement=Face+Number+Blog) to help screen and block unwanted calls. If you receive an unexpected call where the caller is attempting to solicit “yes/no” answers, refrain from responding and hang up immediately. Never give out sensitive personal or business information when unsure of the caller. ##### **How Hiya helps** Above all, it’s crucial to [stay informed and updated on scams](https://work.hiya.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) like the “can you hear me” scam. Proactively protecting personal and business information will prevent scammers from exploiting a lack of knowledge. The simplest way for businesses to control their outbound caller ID is to submit a request to the [Free Caller Registry](https://blog.hiya.com/dont-pay-a-vendor-to-register-your-phone-numbers-across-carriers-use-free-caller-registry?hsLang=en). Free Caller Registry (powered by a partnership between Hiya, First Orion, and TNS) is a streamlined way for businesses to submit their business name and phone number to major wireless carriers.  For businesses who want to take their call branding to the next level, a branded call is a great way to ensure consistent delivery across device types and carriers. Hiya’s Branded Call allows businesses to show their company, name, logo, and call reason.  [Displaying a branded caller ID](https://www.hiya.com/branded-call) means that customers know your call is from a legitimate business and is not a scam. They'll pick up the phone, and you'll be able to communicate important information. After all, [72% of consumers](https://www.hiya.com/state-of-the-call) say they're more likely to answer if they know who's calling. When evaluating branded caller ID solutions, there are a few questions you should ask. Get the complete list with Hiya’s [Branded Call Checklist and Buyer's Guide](https://work.hiya.com/branded-caller-id-buyers-guide?hsLang=en) and make the best decision for your organization.”  [![banner-hiya-reg](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/banner-hiya-reg.jpg)](https://www.hiya.com/products/connect/number-registration) ### Latest Articles ⚡️ - Hiya awarded 16 G2 Summer 2026 badges for branded caller ID Lena Prickett Jul. 9, 2026 - How Canada is leading the fight to stop bank scams Stephanie Boulanger Jun. 26, 2026 - How to check phone numbers for spam labels Michelle Wallace Jun. 9, 2026 ## Related articles ![](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/rogers-toronto-event-blog-hero.webp) ## [How Canada is leading the fight to stop bank scams](https://blog.hiya.com/how-canada-is-leading-the-fight-to-stop-bank-scams?hsLang=en) Stephanie Boulanger Jun. 26, 2026 ![](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/Blog_How-to-check-phone-numbers-for-spam-labels_B.webp) ## [How to check phone numbers for spam labels](https://blog.hiya.com/how-to-check-phone-numbers-for-spam-labels?hsLang=en) Michelle Wallace Jun. 9, 2026 ![](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/Hiya%20x%20DNA-blog@2x.webp) ## [Hiya and DNA Finland launch network-level call protection](https://blog.hiya.com/hiya-and-dna-finland-launch-network-level-call-protection?hsLang=en) Stephanie Boulanger Jun. 2, 2026 [![](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/hiya-new-purple.svg)](https://www.hiya.com/) [![](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/linkedin-1.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiyainc) [![](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/facebook-1.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/hiyainc/) ###### Products - Connect - [Number Registration](https://www.hiya.com/products/connect/number-registration) - [Branded Call](https://www.hiya.com/products/connect/branded-call) - [View Plans](https://www.hiya.com/products/connect/pricing) - Protect - [Spam Analytics](https://www.hiya.com/products/protect/spam-analytics) - [AI Voice Detection](https://www.hiya.com/products/protect/ai-voice-detection) - Apps - [Hiya Spam Blocker](https://www.hiya.com/products/apps/hiya-spam-blocker) - [Hiya AI Phone](https://www.hiya.com/products/apps/hiya-ai-phone) ###### Solutions - Company size - [Enterprise](https://www.hiya.com/solutions/enterprise) - [Call Centers](https://www.hiya.com/solutions/call-center) - [Small and Medium](https://www.hiya.com/solutions/businesses) - Service providers - [Operators](https://www.hiya.com/solutions/operators) - [OEMs and technology](https://www.hiya.com/solutions/technology-partners) ###### Considering Hiya? - [Why Hiya](https://www.hiya.com/why-hiya) - [How it Works](https://www.hiya.com/how-it-works) - [Customer Stories](https://www.hiya.com/case-studies) - [Voice Intelligence Platform](https://www.hiya.com/why-hiya/voice-intelligence-platform) - [Trust Center](https://www.hiya.com/why-hiya/trust-center) - [Modern Slavery](https://www.hiya.com/company/modern-slavery) - [About Hiya](https://www.hiya.com/company/about) - [Careers: We're hiring!](https://www.hiya.com/company/careers) - [Contact us](https://www.hiya.com/contact-us) ###### Resources - [Resource Center](https://www.hiya.com/resources) - [Partner Program](https://partners.hiya.com/) - [Get Support](https://hiya.com/support) - [Developer Docs](https://developer.hiya.com/) - [Hiya Blog](https://hiya.com/blog) - [Events](https://www.hiya.com/events) - [Press Kit](https://www.hiya.com/newsroom#press-kit) ![ANAB](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/logo-anab.svg) ![ISO 27001](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/logo-iso27017.png) ![AICPA](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/logo-aicpa.svg) ![IAF](https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/logo-iaf.svg) [Privacy Policy](https://www.hiya.com/legal/privacy) [Terms of Service](https://www.hiya.com/legal/terms-of-service) [App Data Privacy Policy](https://www.hiya.com/legal/app-data-protection-and-privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Hiya Team", "url" : "https://blog.hiya.com/author/hiya-team" }, "dateModified" : "2023-11-21T22:42:29.883Z", "datePublished" : "2020-09-20T21:30:16.000Z", "headline" : "Outsmarting the 'Can You Hear Me' Scam: Hang Up! | Hiya", "image" : [ "https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/CanYouHearME-620x420-1.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.hiya.com/can-you-hear-me-now-scam/", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.hiya.com/hubfs/hiya-logo-3.svg" }, "name" : "Hiya Inc." } } ```