If someone you don't know calls you and tries to get you to say "yes" during the call, the FCC says you need to hang up.
The unknown caller may be trying to pull off the latest phone scam making the rounds, known as the "Can you hear me" scam.
The point of the scam is to get the victim's voice saying the word "yes" in order to authorize fraudulent charges over the phone, according to the FCC.
The callers may pretend to be from a mortgage lender or a utility, in order to try and make the call seem legitimate. They will then ask "Can you hear me?" in order to try and get the victim to say "yes."
The FCC recommends hanging up if you receive this type of call. If you've already responded to the call, the FCC says you should check statements from your bank, credit card company or telephone company for unauthorized charges.
The FCC provides some helpful tips to avoid scams, including:
- Let calls from unknown numbers go to voicemail.
- If a caller asks you to hit a button to stop receiving calls, just hang up.
- If you get a scam call, write down the number and file an FCC complaint.
- Ask your phone provider if it offers a robocall blocking service.
- Register your phone number in the National Do Not Call Registry.
Victims should immediately report the incident with Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker and the FCC Consumer Complaint Center.
