If you receive a call from an unknown number asking, “Can you hear me?” or similar questions, you should be on alert as it may be a scam. This new scam tactic involves getting the recipient to respond “yes” to establish that there is a person on the line. Once confirmed, scammers may try to extract further information or use the recorded “yes” response to authorize charges on the recipient’s phone bill. However, so far, there have been no reported cases of monetary losses as a result of these calls.
Experts advise responding to these suspicious calls with caution and not automatically saying “yes.” Instead, it is recommended to ask why the caller is asking or turn the question back on them to regain control of the conversation. Scammers may try to establish familiarity by using the recipient’s name, obtained from public records or social media, in order to extract more information. It is important not to engage with these callers and to let unknown numbers go to voicemail to assess their legitimacy.
If you are concerned about potential fraud, it is advisable to carefully review your bills and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. If fraud is suspected, you can file a complaint with your local attorney general’s office. Additionally, contacting your bank and credit card company to inform them of the situation and seek advice on mitigating any potential risks can be proactive steps to take. Ultimately, staying calm and empowered, rather than fearful, when dealing with suspicious calls is crucial to preventing falling for scams.
While the “can you hear me?” scam is on the rise, experts emphasize that there have been no reports of substantial monetary losses due to these calls. Instead, consumers should be more wary of other types of scams, such as impostor or gift card scams, which are known to result in significant financial losses and emotional distress. If a caller continues the conversation after the initial question and requests personal information or payment in alternative forms like gift cards, it is likely a scam and should be treated with caution.
Scammers often try to exploit fear and panic to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or making payments. By remaining calm and not giving in to the pressure of the caller, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to scams. It is important to remember that scammers win when they instill fear in their targets, so approaching suspicious calls with a level head and seeking advice from trusted sources can help prevent fraud. By following these precautions and being proactive in monitoring accounts for unauthorized activity, individuals can safeguard their personal information and financial well-being.
