New York State Police say they are getting more reports about the "Yes Scam" telephone scheme.

Many people are used to saying "yes" or "no" to questions posed in an automated system when doing business with utilities or credit card businesses but that common practice could play into the hands of criminals.

Troopers say the scammer calls an unsuspecting victim and asks, "Can you hear me?" If the person answering the phone says "yes" that could be recorded and used to place unauthorized charges against the victim's accounts.

Authorities say if you hear an unfamiliar voice on the phone asking if you can hear them, you should say nothing and hang up.

People who realize they already answered that question should check their utility bills and credit card statements to see if there have been any unauthorized charges.

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