Sneaky Phone Scam Still Tricking Colorado

America's Better Business Bureau wants Colorado residents to know about a phone scam that has resurfaced in recent months, and is still tricking people who pick up the phone in the Centennial State.

Do you answer calls on your smartphone from unlisted numbers or numbers you do not recognize? If you said yes, it may be time to change that habit. Especially when you see what scammers are up to (again).

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'Can You Hear Me' Scam Is Back

Tero Vesalainen

According to the Better Business Bureau, the 'Can you hear me?' scam has returned in 2025. Unlisted or Unknown numbers call your phone, hoping you will answer. If you do, a voice on the other end says, "Can you hear me?" If you say, "Yes," the scam already worked.

The crook needs a recording of your voice saying "Yes." This way, they can edit and play back your voice later when they attempt to 'authorize' a major purchase that you will be charged for.

How Can You Protect Yourself

Getty Images Hanna Plonsak

The unknown caller might ask you several questions to which the answer is "yes." Can you hear me? Is this (your name)? As soon as they get what they want, they come up with an excuse to end the call.

To protect yourself, get your number added to Do Not Call Registry (DoNotCall.gov). Use Caller ID whenever possible. Consider looking at the FCC's notes on how to stop unwanted robocalls and texts. If you do answer an unknown call and the voice asks if you can hear them, just hang up.

Report Those Scammers

The Better Business Bureau allows anyone to report a scam. You can report a suspicious phone call or text message to BBB.org/ScamTracker. This helps warn others who check the site about an ongoing scam that is still a threat, and the information is also shared with law enforcement.

Using a recording of someone's voice to authorize a purchase they did not make is illegal. The crime is known as 'cramming'. If you suspect you are the victim of this type of crime, it's worth speaking to someone at your bank and credit card companies for assistance.

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