Authorities Warn, Don’t Answer Yes If The Caller Asks Can You Hear Me

Authorities around the nation are warning people with cellphones, if you get a phone call from a number that sort of looks familiar, you might not want to answer it. If you do, the caller will ask "can you hear me?". Authorities are saying you should answer no, or hang up. 

According to CBS News, “You say ‘yes,’ it gets recorded and they say that you have agreed to something,” said Susan Grant, director of consumer protection for the Consumer Federation of America. “I know that people think it’s impolite to hang up, but it’s a good strategy.” The con artist uses your phone number, and many phone providers pass through third-party charges.

In addition, the criminal may have already collected some of your personal information -- a credit card number or cable bill. When the victim disputes the charge, the crook can then counter that he or she has your assent on a recorded line.

What can you do? According to CBS News If you suspect you have already been victimized, check your credit card, phone and cable statements carefully for any unfamiliar charges. Call the billing company -- whether your credit card company or your phone provider -- and dispute anything that you didn’t authorize on purpose. If they say you have been recorded approving the charge and you have no recollection of that, ask for proof.