PEOPLE in the Wee County and beyond are being warned of a new phone scam, which is set to hit the UK.

The scam is currently rife in the United States and experts believe Britain will be targeted next.

Locals are being urged to simply hang up if their phone rings and someone asks: “Can you hear me?”, as answering the question from an unknown caller could make them a victim of con artists.

Criminals on the other end of the line record their targets saying “yes”, which is then edited to make it sound like they authorised a major purchase.

They use the recordings to create fake voice signatures, which are used by companies for verbal contracts over the phone.

Verbal signatures are legitimately used by firms to show that customers agreed to some sort of change, usually an upgrade in a plan like a mobile contract.

In one variation of the scam, criminals may pretend to be from a holiday or home security company and will later bill products or services people never asked for.

For those who try and deny the charges, the scammers will play back the verbal confirmation “yes” and threaten to take legal action.

In another version, the recording may be used to authorise charges on a stolen credit card or with a utility company by tricking automated phone systems.

Kris Hicks, of company CPR Call Blocker, explained by saying: “Victims in the US have received a phone call from a familiar local area code and the other person on the other end of the line introduces themselves and their business.

“After the introduction, the person asks ‘Can you hear me?’ if the victim replies with ‘yes’, their response will be recorded for criminals to use.

“I know that people think it’s impolite to hang up, but it’s a good strategy. If you don’t recognise the number, don't answer.

“And if you do pick up, and they instantly start asking ‘Can you hear me? Are you there?’ as if they are trying to get you to say ‘yes’ to something, don't say anything and hang up. It’s fishy, don't fall into the trap.

“In our experience of working across the US and UK, scams spread quickly across the pond so it is sensible for people in Scotland to be on their guard as we have no doubt that fraudsters operating in the UK will soon start using these tactics.”