Yet Another Scam

A con that started in the US last month has experts warning it is set to sweep the UK with fraudsters tricking people into saying 'yes' to swindle you out of huge amounts of money.

Fraudsters call up from a local number and introduce themselves and a fake company they work for before asking 'can you hear me?'. If you answer 'yes' the con artists record the call and edit the audio to make it seem as you have signed a verbal contract for a major purchase. The scammers then use the edited conversation to trick you out of huge amounts of cash.

Victims are being warned if they try to dispute the charges the scammers will play back your verbal confirmation saying 'yes' and threaten to take legal action if you refuse to pay. The verbal contract acts as a verbal signature which is used by many businesses over the phone.

How the scam goes:-
1. You receive a phone call from a local number

2. The voice on the end introduces themselves and the company they supposedly work for

3. They then ask: "Can you hear me?"

4. Your answer is recorded

5. If you say "yes", your response will be edited to make it seem as though you have agreed to a verbal contract for a major purchase

People think it's impolite to hang up, but it's a good strategy. If you don't recognise the number, don't answer.
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.

Scams spread quickly across the pond and so people need to be on their guard.

Experts warn if you think you have been caught out to contact your bank or card provider as soon as possible and to check bank and card statements for unauthorised charges.