iPhone Users Beware: Scammers Are Using FaceTime to Steal Bank Info
iPhone Users Beware: Scammers Are Using FaceTime to Steal Bank Info
https://www.cnet.com/news/privacy/iphone-facetime-bank-scammers/
Publish Date: 2026-07-16 13:50:00
Source Domain: www.cnet.com
Scammers are now targeting you via FaceTime.
If you’re constantly receiving scam calls and text messages, you know that not all scammers take the same approach. A recent CBS report found that thieves are impersonating bank representatives to trick people into answering FaceTime calls to “verify” their bank accounts, and then stealing their banking information.
These schemes work because scammers know how to prey on people’s anxiety, Justin Brookman, director of technology policy at Consumer Reports, tells CNET. “They create a false sense of urgency to get you to take immediate steps or else something catastrophic will happen,” he says.
FaceTime scammers reportedly first send out a call or text message purporting to be an urgent bank account or credit card alert that requires your attention. A number is included in the message that you’re expected to call to connect with the scammer. During the call, the scammer may ask for additional verification and prompt you to answer their FaceTime video call. The FaceTime video allows scammers to manipulate you to share your screen and, in the process, steal your passwords, account numbers and more.
Victims of this scam have come forward in Reddit threads, and even CBS News correspondent Matt Gutman posted on X about how he fell for this scam. John Breyault, vice president of public policy, telecom and fraud at National Consumers League, tells CNET that all scammers need is a small percentage of people to respond to make these efforts profitable, and video calling is one way to reel in a victim.
“Video conferencing has grown in recent years, and we’ve seen plenty of reports, particularly about scam compounds in places like Southeast Asia, having very elaborate sets to make it seem like the person who’s FaceTiming you is actually who they say they are,” Breyault says.
In the age of AI, it’s easier to impersonate someone since there are tools that can deepfake audio and video, creating a…
