Police warning about new phone scam

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are warning residents about a new phone scam currently defrauding US consumers, which is set to hit the UK.

Innocent people are being tricked into essentially signing verbal contracts. If someone calls and asks ‘Can you hear me?’ hang up the phone immediately.

Here’s how it works:

• You receive a phone call from a local number.
• The voice on the end introduces themselves and the company they supposedly work for.
• They then ask: “Can you hear me?”
• Your answer is recorded, and if you say “yes”, your response will be edited to make it appear as if you’ve agreed to a huge purchase.

You’re effectively being tricked into signing a verbal contract, much the same as clicking ‘I agree’ to terms and conditions online.

Voice signatures like these are legitimately used by companies doing business over the phone, but this is being exploited by scammers who have conned many already.