Clever criminals have devised a new phone scam that can set you back thousands of pounds if you answer the simple question ‘Can you hear me?’ Here’s how the scam works:
- A local number will ring you.
- The criminal will pose as an employee of a fictional or legitimate company.
- The criminal will ask ‘Can you hear me?’
- Your answer is recorded. If you say ‘yes’, they can use it to charge you for products or services without your knowledge.
CPR Call Blocker, the world’s number one telephone call blocker, has seen a rise in the scam in the United Kingdom. The simplest and most effective way to protect yourself is to not answer the phone if you don’t recognise the number. If the call is truly important, the caller will leave a voicemail and you can then call them back. However, if you do answer one of these calls, report it to Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.