We dont want people to operate in this fear mode, Nofziger said.

We want people to operate in the empowerment mode.

Can you hear me now?

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Heres how the scam works.

A stranger will start the call asking, Can you hear me?

to get you to respond yes.

Woman at a desk using a laptop and holding a mobile phone, concentrating on work

A random can you hear me?

A conversation with a random number that starts with can you hear me?

is suspicious because its so outside of the typical conversational cycle, Pope said.

Man reviewing document while talking on phone, sitting at desk with laptop, in a home office setting

question on its own does not warrant significant panic.

Nobody in here is saying, I lost $50,000, in a supposed can you hear me?

scam, she noted.

Woman using a laptop and smartphone in a well-lit room with windows in the background

So if a caller keeps you talking beyond that can you hear me?

question, there is more cause for concern.

Are they asking you for personal information?

Man at a desk with a laptop speaks into a smartphone, possibly conducting business or reporting news

Are they asking you for crypto ATM?

Are they asking for a prepaid gift card?

Well, then its 100% a scam.

Woman looking at her watch with a perplexed expression, phone in hand, indoors

Heres what to do when you get a can you hear me?

call from an unknown number.

It can be stressful to wonder whether you have compromised your privacy and personal information.

Man reviews documents at home with a laptop, showing focused engagement in his task

But there are steps you could take for your peace of mind:

Stay calm.

Ive seen people in a panic because theyve said yes to someone asking, Can you hear me?

And well have to talk them down, Nofziger said of those contacting the Fraud Watch data pipe.

We dont want people to operate in this fear mode, Nofziger said.

We want people to operate in the empowerment mode.

That way, you take control back of your phone and your rig, she said.

Be on guard even if they claim to know you.

If the caller says your name, you should not let down your guard.

A lot of information can be gleaned from public records and social media.

Dont engage.

That way, you have more time to assess if its legitimate.

McGovern said that she does not recommend trying to talk with someone you suspect is a scammer.

Do your due diligence on your accounts.

If fraud did occur, you might file a consumer complaint with yourlocal attorney generals office.

you might also be proactive.

What can I do to mitigate anything down the line?

This post originally appeared onHuffPost.