New Jersey Scam Warning Hang Up ASAP if You Hear These 4 Words

Caller ID plays a crucial role in managing incoming calls and avoiding spam. Stay informed about common scams to protect yourself from unwanted interruptions.

Thank goodness for caller ID, we don't have to pick up every call that comes to us. Especially a number we are not sure of. There are certain times we are all guilty of picking up a call or phone number that is unfamiliar.

At the radio station, here at 92.7 WOBM we have ten to 15 different phone lines when we play games or if we have a giveaway. We know the majority of phone callers will be our listeners, but a spam call always makes its way through to our phone lines.

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When we have to call you from the station, we know you don't always pick-up, how would you know it was the radio station. I think we have different numbers. Sometimes it says on your phone, Townsquare Media, sometimes it doesn't. And, I don't blame you, we have to leave several messages before we get a call back.

But, what happens if you hear a certain four-word phrase?

When a weird number calls you and you end up answering the phone, security experts say you should hang up if the caller begins with the phrase “Can you hear me?”

What every New Jerseyan needs to know about the "Can you hear me" scam

Recently, these have been happening more and more and the Better Business Bureau says they've been getting many reports about this happening.

So, here's the deal, if the caller asks "can you hear me" and then you (or the person answering the phone) says "yes". The caller will continue the conversation, positing as a legitimate business like a bank or insurance company.  This is a scam.

The Better Business Bureau says the scammers behind the calls want you to respond YES, so they can impersonate you while authorizing a major purpose. I know confusing, right? They also say, they may also be looking for you to say yes so that they know that your number is active, making you a target for future scams. Just hang up if you hear, "Can you hear me."

What should you do if you think you have been scammed?

The Better Business Bureau's webpage has a SCAM TRACKER page. Make sure to remember the number that called, or it might be on your call log. When you add the information on the website, the list gets shared with law enforcement agencies that focus on scams and fraud cases. It will ask you if you've been scammed.