Can I get scammed by answering 'yes' on a phone call?
Saying 'yes' alone is unlikely to authorise a transaction, but scammers may record your voice to use in fraudulent 'voice signature' claims — it is safer to hang up on suspicious calls.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
A long-running concern is that answering 'yes' to a robocall question — such as 'Can you hear me?' — could be used as a recorded voice authorisation for a purchase or contract. In practice, a voice recording alone is rarely sufficient authorisation under consumer-protection law in most countries, and financial institutions require far more than a single word before processing a transaction.
However, the underlying concern is not entirely without basis: recorded responses can be edited or misrepresented. More importantly, engaging with a suspicious robocall at all — pressing buttons, speaking, or staying on the line — can confirm that your number is live and increase the volume of scam calls you receive. The safest approach is to hang up on any unsolicited robocall rather than engaging, regardless of the question asked.
Common red flags
- Robocall opens with 'Can you hear me?' or similar leading question
- Caller encourages you to say 'yes' or give a verbal confirmation
- Call is from an unknown or spoofed number
- No clear purpose or organisation identified at the start of the call
- You are asked to confirm personal details to 'verify' your identity
What to do now
- Hang up on unsolicited robocalls rather than engaging
- Do not press any buttons or say anything on a suspicious robocall
- Register with your national telephone preference or do-not-call service
- Report persistent numbers to your telecommunications regulator
- If you believe you were recorded and a fraudulent charge appears, contest it with your bank
Frequently asked questions
Has anyone actually been billed because they said 'yes' on a call?
There have been reports of scammers using recorded responses in disputes with carriers or to claim verbal consent. However, robust consumer protections mean that a recorded 'yes' alone is rarely upheld as authorisation for a charge. Contest any such charge with your bank immediately.
Is it safer to say 'no' instead of hanging up?
Hanging up is better than engaging at all. Any response — yes or no — confirms your number is active, which can lead to more calls.