Phone scam alert: Arizona residents advised to stay vigilant as 'Can You Hear Me' scheme resurfaces

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Arizonans are being cautioned about the resurgence of the notorious 'Can You Hear Me?' robocall scam, a fraudulent scheme designed to manipulate unsuspecting individuals into saying "yes", which scammers then record and utilize to authorize fraudulent charges on phone, utility, or credit card bills.

'Can You Hear Me?' scammers exploit affirmative responses

According to Arizona Daily Independent, this fraudulent tactic involves a caller initiating contact and creating a scenario suggesting technical difficulties, followed by the question, "Can you hear me?"

The aim is to elicit a simple affirmative response, which scammers then record and misuse to authorize unauthorized charges on various bills, including phone, utility, or credit card accounts.

Previously, scammers employed similar tactics by posing questions like "Are you the lady of the house?" or "Are you the homeowner?" to coax victims into responding with a "yes" for malicious purposes.

Reports from people who have become victims of the 'Can You Hear Me?' scam indicated that these deceptive calls often appeared to originate from local phone numbers, adding a layer of perceived legitimacy to the scam.

Key precautions against 'Can You Hear Me?' scam

To safeguard against falling victim to the 'Can You Hear Me?' robocall scam, it is crucial to follow these precautionary measures:

Exercise Caution and Disconnect: If you receive a suspicious call, exercise caution by promptly hanging up. If the incoming call comes from an unfamiliar number, consider allowing it to go to voicemail.

Avoid Interaction: Refrain from engaging or responding to suspicious queries, particularly those asking "Can you hear me?" Avoid conversing with live individuals to prevent an escalation of calls. Additionally, do not disclose any personal information if prompted.

Monitor Bills and Statements: Regularly review your utility, bank, and credit card statements for any irregular or unauthorized charges. In the event of detecting suspicious transactions, immediately report them to the respective service provider for investigation and resolution.

Remaining vigilant and applying these protective measures can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to the deceitful tactics employed by scammers behind the 'Can You Hear Me?' robocall scheme.

Stay informed and cautious to protect yourself and your finances from potential fraudulent activities.