April 28, 2017
Police are warning residents to beware of the “Can You Hear Me” scam which has been detected in Queensland.
The phone scam has reportedly been prolific in the United States and the United Kingdom since early this year, but has now hit Australia.
A police spokesman said victims received an unsolicited call to their business or home phone.
After the victim answers, the scammer will simply say “Can you hear me?” several times.
Most people reply “yes”.
The scammer then hangs up.
Police believe the scammer is recording the “yes” answer. This can then be used to authorise payments or charges in the victim’s name.
And as police point out … good luck disputing or contesting a payment or charge after the event with a recording of your “yes” on file authorising it!
Scammers would need more than just a yes. They’d already need to have detailed info about you. If I don’t recognise a number, I answer “what do you want ? ” in a aggravated voice. Try and talk them into setting up a meeting with you, no meeting, they get abused. If they do agree, then the fun starts at night on the docks in a isolated location.