If a caller asks you one of these questions, hang up immediately, those responsible warn

A new interpretation of an old scam uses updated tactics to deceive the victims.


Even if the connection to a call is one of the most basic characteristics of most phones, deciding to recover them or not is undoubtedly complicated. Apparently endless Télépherteurs rush , Robocalls and other spammers are already sufficiently irritating without having to deal with potential crooks who also work in the mixture. Unfortunately, we can sometimes drop our guard and answer when we should not. But now those responsible warn that you should hang up right away if a caller asks you specific questions. Read the rest to see what requests you should consider an immediate red flag.

In relation: The FBI issues a new warning on the latest scams designed to "steal your money".

Officials warn that there is a new wave of "saying" scam calls that go around.

man confused while talking on the phone
Fizkes / Shutterstock

It doesn't matter who is at the other end, it is not uncommon for many phone calls to start with a question. But if you are not careful, you may be the victim of an updated scam going around.

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), there is been an increase In the reports of "Can you hear me?" calls targeting the general public. As its name suggests, the ploy generally works by someone who makes someone calling on some end to immediately ask if the recipient can hear them. The caller could even add other instructions to keep the target on the line, such as "I have problems with my helmet".

Although it may not seem out of the ordinary, the simple but disarming question is used by the crooks to obtain their target to say the word "yes". Unfortunately, this can create the victim to receive many more false telephone calls. In some worst cases, crooks can even record the answer and use them to make unauthorized fees , according to the Office of the Attorney General of Minnesota. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

In relation: USPS makes 3 major recommendations as crime peaks per mail .

The last examples seem to combine some different scams in one.

scammer on phone
Artem Oleshko / Shutterstock

Like many scams, "Can you hear me?" Calls have evolved over the years. But one of the most disturbing elements of the last set of examples is that they could progress in their tactics by combining the simple issue with other stratagems.

In a recent example, a woman from the Wisconsin said that she had received a call claiming to be her cable and internet , Local reports of Green Bay ABC Wbay. It started with them by asking for simple account details, especially if she could check her address. And although she was wary of the appellant - and even knew how to avoid saying "yes" to all their questions - something happened that took it off guard.

"It seemed to be disconnected, and I said:" Hello ", then they come and then he came out, then he clicked on. They said:" Can you hear me now? "I lowered my guard and said yes, then they hung up," she told Wbay.

The woman says that she immediately called her cable company directly to check the previous call, which turned out to be a scam.

In relation: New war and JetBlue Ticket Scam warnings - and recommendations .

The managers warn you to hang up immediately if you hear a few specific questions.

Woman sitting on couch holding phone to her ear and looking thoughtful
istock

Ask "can you hear me?" Could work as a basic and effective way to make someone "yes" on the phone say. But following the scam of the combination of the cable company reported in the Wisconsin, the crooks begin to extend their repertoire with regard to the questions.

According to the BBB, some versions ask important and initial questions like "Have you received your Medicare card?" Other crooks can present themselves as customer service representatives or follow-up surveys, asking: "Have you recently bought at [Le retailier populaire]?"

Still others remain relatively direct, with the one who tries to obtain a "yes" of the targets by asking: "Is this the best number to reach you if we are disconnected?" And some even incorporate personal information, including using your name or phone number to ask you if they have reached the right person.

In relation: If you receive a telephone call from one of these 12 numbers, it is a scam .

Here's how to protect yourself from these scams by phone.

Close up image hand of woman using her mobile smartphone
istock

Even if these framing by phone are designed to catch the victims off guard, there are several ways to protect you from identity theft. The BBB suggests using your calling identifier to filter all incoming calls and avoid any unknown number, even if they seem to be local. Anyone who needs to contact can leave a voice message to which you can answer.

If you pick up the phone, the BBB suggests hanging up right away if they ask "Can you hear me?" Or use other simple questions designed to make you say "yes". And as the most recent incidents show, they also emphasize that questions or order can often change to try to catch the victims overcome.

Once you are out of the line, you can report any suspicious call to the BBB Scam Tracker to help prevent future incidents. And whether or not you are afraid that a crook has targeted you, the experts always suggest keeping an eye on your bank and credit card readings for any suspicious costs or activity.

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