Scammers Are Using FaceTime to Impersonate Apple Support Staff.
Fraudulent calls are nothing new. In fact, the situation has gotten so bad that many of us simply refuse to answer calls from unknown callers. But FaceTime calls are a little different: while a regular phone call can come from any device that knows your number, FaceTime calls (both video and audio) require an Apple device that knows your FaceTime contact information, which could be your phone number or email address.
In short, FaceTime feels more personal than a regular phone call, which is probably why many of us let our guard down a bit when receiving a call this way. However, judging by a new scam, this shouldn’t be the case.
Don’t trust suspicious FaceTime calls.
As noted by Malwarebytes Labs , Apple is now warning users to be wary of suspicious FaceTime calls. This is an updateto Apple’s phishing scam guide , which details numerous ways hackers try to trick you into handing over sensitive information or financial data. This may be due to the rise in FaceTime-related scams . These calls may come from people posing as “Apple Support,” which at first glance appear indistinguishable from regular phone calls. Additionally, some scammers send victims text messages containing their contact information.
These calls can take many forms: the scammer might claim the victim has experienced credit card fraud, is having problems with their device, or needs account authentication. They might offer a refund or some limited-time offer that needs to be activated immediately. In any case, the situation will likely force you to act quickly, reducing the likelihood of catching the scammer.
The purpose of FaceTime calls may be to lull users into a false sense of security, since, as I’ve mentioned, victims may be less skeptical of FaceTime calls, especially from “Apple Support.” However, this can also give hackers an advantage in their scam: after initiating a FaceTime audio call, scammers can request to switch to a video call and ask the victim to share their screen. Scammers often use video calling or data sharing apps to guide victims through specific actions on their device. And while many convince users to install remote control software on their devices, FaceTime allows users to request remote control of another person’s screen. Malwarebytes claims that scammers have successfully drained bank accounts using these scams.
How to protect yourself from FaceTime scams
Scams are everywhere these days, but that doesn’t mean they’re inevitable. The best defense against them is following simple cybersecurity rules. This includes assuming that any call (FaceTime or otherwise) from anyone other than a trusted source is suspicious—even if the call comes from an organization like Apple. Never share personal information during the call, especially any that could be used to access your accounts or finances. And while FaceTime scams aren’t necessarily based on security vulnerabilities, it’s a good idea to install the latest security updates to patch any known holes in your defenses.
Apple even suggests reporting suspicious FaceTime calls that you suspect are malicious. If you receive such a call, take a screenshot of the caller ID and send it to [email protected] .