RESIDENTS in Malvern are being warned of a new telephone scam which is currently sweeping the United States and is set to hit the UK.
CPR Call Blocker is urging the public to hang up if their phone rings and someone asks ‘Can you hear me?’ as their answer to this simple question from an unknown caller could make them the victim of a scam.
It works by the scammer recording people saying ‘yes’ which is then edited to make it sound like the receiver has authorised a major purchase – just like clicking ‘I agree’ on a computer.
This is known as a voice signature and is used legitimately by companies to show residents have agreed to a change, usually a plan upgrade.
CPR Call Blocker has seen the scam rise frequently in the US and say it’s a matter of time before fraudsters start using it in the UK.
Kris Hicks of CPR Call Blocker is urging the public in Malvern to simply put the phone down to unsolicited callers who pose that question.
He said: “Victims in the US have received a phone call from a familiar local area code and the other person on the other end of the line introduces themselves and their business.
“After the introduction, the person asks ‘Can you hear me?’ if the victim replies with ‘yes’, their response will be recorded for criminals to use.
“I know that people think it’s impolite to hang up, but it’s a good strategy.
“If you don’t recognise the number, don’t answer.
“And if you do pick up, and they instantly start asking ‘Can you hear me? Are you there?’ as if they are trying to get you to say ‘yes’ to something, don’t say anything and hang up.
“It’s fishy, don’t fall into the trap.
“In our experience of working across the US and UK, scams spread quickly across the pond so it is sensible for people in Worcestershire to be on their guard as we have no doubt that fraudsters operating in the UK will soon start using these tactics.”
