Scammers are using FaceTime to steal bank account passwords
The scheme begins with fake fraud alerts before shifting to a FaceTime call, where victims are tricked into exposing sensitive banking information.
A growing scam relies on Apple's popular FaceTime video calling app, with fraudsters using the service to impersonate bank representatives and drain consumers' bank accounts.
According to CBS News national consumer correspondent Ash-Har Quraishi, the scammers convince consumers they need to provide information to verify their bank accounts.
Victims first receive a text message about account activity related to their bank or credit card, and are asked to call a phone number included in the text. Other times, they receive a direct call from the scammer, who says they require "additional verification."
That's when the fraudster switches from an audio-only call to FaceTime. Victims are tricked into sharing their computer screens with the scammers while they log into their online banking accounts.
"The scammer watches in real-time while victims expose passwords, account numbers and even one-time security codes," Quraishi said.
Apple says scammers are exploiting FaceTime because consumers generally trust the app and view it as a secure platform.