Scam warning
Robocalls and “Can You Hear Me?” Calls
Scam calls often start with a question like “Can you hear me?” or a recording asking you to press a button. Any answer tells them your phone number works and a real person picks up, so you'll get even more scam calls.
Also called: Robocall, Can you hear me scam, Spam calls, Spoofed calls
The one thing to remember
If you don't know the number, let it go to voicemail. Real callers leave a message.
How it happens
- Your phone rings, sometimes from a number that looks local.
- A voice asks “Can you hear me?” or a recording asks you to press 1.
- Answering, saying yes, or pressing a button tells them your number is active.
- Your number gets passed to more scammers.
Warning signs
- Calls from numbers you don't know, especially ones that look like your own area code.
- A pause or click before someone talks.
- A recording asking you to press a button.
What to do
- Let unknown calls go to voicemail.
- If you answer and it's strange, hang up. Don't say anything or press buttons.
- Turn on your phone's spam call blocking, or ask your phone company to help.
Last checked: October 31, 2026