Scammers Go Vishing for a Yes

It’s not only a commercial, but now “can you hear me now” may be a vishing scam. There are many reports about this where fraudsters on the other end of a call will try to get the recipient to say “yes” to the ever-so-famous question, “Can you hear me now?” According to the independent rumor fact-checking site Snopes, no actual people have come forward to confirm they have been victimized by this scam, but it’s better to have the warning and not have to use it.

So, here’s what it is. A robocall is received with an introduction about the company and or agency that is supposedly calling. Then, someone ask the question and records the victim saying “yes.” The victim is then signed up for a service or product using previously stolen payment card information, presumably. Then, when the person tries to dispute the charge, the scammer will play back a recording of the person saying “yes.”

There are many cracks in this particular fraud, such as how did the cyber thief get the corresponding payment card information in the first place? Did the scammer ask permission to record the call, as is mandatory in 10 states? It is possible to have charges placed to a particular phone number, but how could this happen without more information being provided?

In any case, if you ever receive unsolicited robocalls, just hang up. It’s not rude. They don’t have feelings. If you feel you need to say something, don’t say “OK,” “Yes,” or any other affirmative sounding word that could be used against you. Perhaps try “Who wants to know?”

Also, if you haven’t already, sign up for the Do Not Call registry and don’t forget to include your mobile phone numbers on that list. Once placing your number on it, unsolicited sales and robocalls should cease within 31 days. If it’s been longer than that since your number was placed on it, report the number that shows on your caller ID to the FTC Do No Call Registry. And if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from any government agency and you did not initiate that call, it is most likely a scam. Just hang up. They don’t initiate conversation via any method other than the U.S. Mail.

Scammers don’t usually leave messages, so you can feel good ignoring that call. If you answer the longer you are on the phone with them, the more likely you will say something that can be used against you. The best advice really is to just hang up or let unknown phone numbers go to voicemail.