Beware: More Wisconsin consumers targeted by “Can you hear me?” scam

The “Can you hear me?” phone scam is targeting more Wisconsin consumers by using new tricks; plus, what to do if you get a call

Beware. The “Can you hear me?” phone scam is targeting more Wisconsin consumers. And these callers have come up with some new tricks to get you to answer.

Typically, the caller hangs up after you respond to the question, “Can you hear me?” But new complaints to the Better Business Bureau now include questions about your banking habits, vacation packages, warranties, and even Medicare cards. The caller may impersonate a business in an attempt to get you to answer.

So what is the purpose of this scam? The caller’s goal is to get you to answer “Yes.” They may even fumble with the phone, or tell you they are having trouble with their headset. It’s all an attempt to keep you on the call to record the conversation. Your “Yes” answer can later be edited to make it sound like you authorized a purchase. The caller may also use more of your voice as part of a larger scam. It also confirms the number they dialed is real, leading to more calls.

What you can do to avoid this scam:

• Hang up!
• Use Caller ID to screen your calls
• Make a note of the number and report it 
• Join the Do Not Call Registry
• Check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges

A new ruling from the Federal Communications Commission makes AI-generated voices for robocalls illegal as part of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The FCC’s decision follows reports of unsolicited robocalls imitating celebrities, misinforming voters, or as an attempt to extort vulnerable family members. It expands the legal avenue state law enforcement agencies can use to hold scammers accountable.