Dozens of news outlets across the UK have reported on a new phone scam in which fraudsters use 'voice signatures' to charge you for purchases of products and services you've never used.

According to reports the scammers cold call people and when they answer they ask: 'Can you hear me?' and the respondent answers 'yes' it is then recorded.

The scammers then reportedly use that as evidence when fraudulent payments for services are disputed.

How does the scam work?

  • You receive a call from a local number
  • The person on the other end of the phone introduces themselves and the company they apparently work for
  • They then say 'can you hear me?'
  • Your answer is recorded and your response will be edited and used to charge you for products or services without your knowledge.

Despite the repeated warnings about the scam some are suggesting it may not be all it seems.

Firstly, as the hoax busting website Snopes.com has pointed out - the scammers would have to be in possession of your debit card or credit card details to bill you. They say they 'haven’t yet been able to identify any scenario under which a scammer could authorise charges in another person’s name simply by possessing a voice recording of that person saying ‘yes'.”

So whilst it's sensible to exercise caution in who you give your card details to, as normal, it remains to be seen whether any such scam is heading Chester's way.