Scam calls are nothing new, with many of us simply refusing to answer unrecognized phone calls. However, FaceTime calls are a bit different, requiring an Apple device to know your FaceTime contact details, which could be either your phone number or email address. This personal touch may be why many of our guards fall, but it shouldn't be the case, especially with a new scam on the rise.
Apple is now warning users to be skeptical of strange FaceTime calls, as part of an update to its guide on recognizing phishing schemes. This comes as hackers are increasingly using FaceTime calls to trick victims into handing over sensitive information or financial data. These calls may come from contacts purporting to be "Apple Support," which can be indistinguishable from legitimate phone calls on the surface.
Scammers may text victims directly, including their contact info in the message, and may run the gamut of schemes. They may claim the victim has experienced credit card fraud, or an issue with their device, or an authentication request for an account. Whatever the case, the situation will likely put pressure on you to act fast, reducing the chance you'll see through the act.
The point of the FaceTime call may be to lure users into a false sense of security, and give hackers an advantage during the scheme. After starting via a FaceTime audio call, scammers can request to switch to a video call, and have the victim share their screen. This can allow scammers to walk victims through specific steps on their device, or even install remote control software.
Malwarebytes says that scammers have successfully emptied bank accounts with these schemes. To protect yourself from FaceTime scams, it's essential to follow some simple cybersecurity best practices. This involves assuming every call, including FaceTime calls, from someone other than a trusted contact is suspicious, even if the call says it's from an organization like Apple.
Never share private information, especially any that could be used to access your accounts or finances. While FaceTime scams don't necessarily rely on security vulnerabilities, it's helpful to install the latest security patches to plug any known holes in your defenses.
Apple invites you to report FaceTime calls you suspect of being malicious. If you receive one, take a screenshot of the caller ID, and send that image to reportfacetimefraud@apple.com. By being vigilant and following these best practices, you can stay one step ahead of scammers and protect yourself from these increasingly sophisticated schemes.
