“Can you hear me?” Phone Scam
Law enforcement officials say the scam is a variation of one that began in late 2016.
At first glance, this sounds like a fake warning. If a caller is asking questions that would generate a “yes” response, a good answer is “Who are you, and why do you want to know?” “Over the weekend, our scam tracker blew up and we now know scammers are targeting the Midwest”.
So what do you do if you get a call like this?
Dozens of consumers have reported instances of getting a computer generated phone call in which the caller asks “Can you hear me?” or something to that effect.
Theres a new phone scam that has reached the Rockford area.
Monitor your banking and credit card information.Scammers may already have some of your information and are using your “yes” to authorize other charges. “Don’t answer a call where you don’t recognize the number”. The caller then allegedly asked, “Can you hear me?”; “Are you the homeowner?”; or “Do you pay the bills?”
The Better Business Bureau warned Monday about an increase in suspicious calls such as the one she received.
When you say “yes”, then basically the caller has what they need. The app is free and very helpful at screening calls that could cause these problems. These types of calls have been used recently to lure consumers into saying the word “yes” in a phone conversation.
Amy Kempe, Public Information Officer for the Attorney General’s Office, says saying “yes” could ultimately cost you. For now. Until they figure out how to use that against you or your company.
CBS News reports victims also can dispute unauthorized credit card charges by contacting the Federal Trade Commission. Mint also includes your credit score, so you can see a big picture view of your budget and your personal finances. You might find yourself with a bill for a cruise or new home security system you never ordered.