You answer the phone and the caller quickly asks you a yes or no question: “Can you hear me?” In a matter of seconds, you’ve just become the victim of a scam, and that brief exchange could wind up costing you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. The phrase is designed to trick the victim into responding “yes,” while the person or computer on the other end records the response. The scammer can then use the recording to access the victim’s accounts. When asked to authorize log-ins, make a major purchase, or sign up for expensive services, the scammer impersonates the victim with the recorded “yes.” By abruptly using the words “Can you hear me?” without any introduction or context, the scammer creates a sense of urgency. This causes the victim to quickly reply out of emotion before they have a chance to think rationally. Other variations include “Sorry, the connection is bad. Can you hear me?”, “I can’t hear you; are you there?”, “Are you the homeowner?”, and “Is this the lady/man of the house?” While scammers are using technology to find new ways to trick their victims, you can take steps to protect yourself by doing the following:
- • Avoid unfamiliar numbers. If you do accidentally answer, try to hang up as quickly as possible.
- • Don’t rely on Caller ID. Even numbers that appear to be legitimate on Caller ID might not be.
- • Think before you speak. If you must answer unfamiliar numbers, be cautious. If the ask you a question, ask why they want to know.
- • Block unwanted calls by signing up for the Do Not Call Registry and using a call-blocking and labeling app to screen and block unknown calls.
- • Establish a safe word or phrase to be used only by close friends and family. Then, if you get a frantic call for a loved one and are unsure whether it’s them or a scammer, you can confirm by asking for the secret word.
