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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

The latest phone scam asks ‘can you hear me vow?’

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Robo calls are a devious new trend. Some technology so advanced, robots can string along a conversation to get you to share personal information.


It’s causing concerns among residents. Remember those Verizon Wireless commercials that featured the spokesperson asking, “Can you hear me now?” Well, the popular phrase is making a comeback, but this time it’s the line that unlocks the latest phone scam. And saying “yes” is the magic word. The phone scam was first reported in Ohio and is sweeping through the state. As a result, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office issued a warning on Monday to further prevent more people from getting swindled.


Here’s how the scam works:


A call reportedly coming from an Ohio number (most frequently with a 330 or 614 area code) is made featuring a robot recording. (Keep in mind the number can be generated from the Internet and not necessary be from Ohio.)


When a potential victims answers the call they may hear a noise as if the “person” on the other line dropped their phone. The robocall is then said to feature a female’s voice that states, “Oh, sorry. I was just having some trouble with my headset.” Followed by the phrase, “Can you hear me now?”


If answered with a “yes,” the call continues by revealing that the victim won a cruise or some other kind of vacation. This obviously makes it clear that the call is in fact a fake, but the damage has already been done.


The scammers behind the robocall record the “yes” response to then use it to then steal the victim’s identity and authorise charges on their phone or utility bills and on stolen credit cards.


The robot may ask for a donation or money for said vacation, and when denied they play back the victim’s “yes” response.


The best way to make sure these scammers don’t take advantage of you is by not answering calls from unknown numbers. If it is important, the person will leave a voicemail.


Do not give details away regarding personal information if asked. Refrain from answering any questions, especially if someone asks, “Can you hear me now?” (Courtesy TechTimes)


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