How to protect yourself from "Can you hear me?" phone scam

If you say "yes, sure or ok", the con artists can record your response and use it to authorize unwanted charges on a telephone bill or sign you up for other products and services you never ordered.

Often the fraudster doesn't even need a payment method in order for the scam to work. They already have your phone number, and many phone providers pass through third-party charges, according to a CBS News report. Also, the criminal may have already nabbed your personal information in a data breach.

If you're worried you may have fallen victim to this scam, check your credit cards, and other bills for suspicious activity. Then, call your billing company to dispute any unfamiliar charges.

Authorities say following these tips can help you avoid this scam:

• Don't answer the phone from numbers you don't know.
• Don't confirm your number over the phone.
• Don't give our personal information.
• Don't answer questions.

Copyright 2017 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.