You can conquer the ‘can you hear me?’ scam
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about an old scam with a new twist.
The “can you hear me?” scam has long been used to coerce businesses into purchasing office supplies and directory advertisements they never actually ordered, but now it’s targeting individual consumers as well.
For the last few days of January, more than half of the reports to BBB Scam Tracker were about this one scam. Consumers say the calls were about vacation packages, cruises, warranties and other big-ticket items.
Here’s how it works: You get a call, whether on your home phone or mobile phone, from someone who almost immediately asks “Can you hear me?” or “Are you the head of the household?” Their goal is to get you to answer “yes,” which most people would do instinctively in that situation.
There may be some fumbling around; the person may even say something like “I’m having trouble with my headset.” In fact, the “person” may just be a robocall recording your conversation, and and that “yes” answer you gave can be recorded and later edited to make it sound like you authorized a major purchase.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas is offering consumers the following advice for avoiding this scam, perpetuated through calls placed to their homes or cell phones:
• Use Caller ID to screen calls, and consider not even answering unfamiliar numbers. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message and you can call back. Sometimes it can be safer not to pick up the phone if you uncertain of the caller’s identity. • Be careful when answering the phone. If someone calls either your home or cell phone and asks a yes or no question like “Can you hear me?”, do not answer “yes,” just hang up. Scammers change their tactics as the public catches on, so be alert for other questions designed to solicit a simple “yes” answer.
• Consider joining the Do Not Call Registry (DoNotCall.gov) to cut down on telemarketing and sales calls. This may not help with scammers since they don’t bother to pay attention to the law, but you’ll get fewer calls overall. That may help you more quickly notice the ones that could be fraudulent.
• Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized charges. It’s also a good idea to check your telephone and cell phone bills, as well. Scammers may be using the “yes” recording of your voice to authorize charges on your phone. This is called “cramming,” and it’s illegal.
• Report your experience. Make a note of the number and report it to BBB Scam Tracker at BBBHouston.org/scamtracker to help warn other people. BBB also shares Scam Tracker information with government and law enforcement agencies, so every piece of information is helpful in tracking down scammers.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.