Can You Get Scammed During a FaceTime Call?

Criminals are constantly changing their strategies to target hardworking families like yours. One new trend happens when fraudsters access your bank accounts through video calls. They exploit apps like FaceTime to steal money—right before your eyes. Since knowledge is your best defense, this guide covers FaceTime screen-sharing scams and protecting your money.

What is a FaceTime Scam?

A FaceTime video scam, also known as a screen-sharing fraud, usually starts with a message, email, or call from someone pretending to be your bank, a government office, or tech support company. They will claim there are urgent issues, like suspicious activity on your account or another problem that needs “immediate attention.”

To move things forward, the scammer suggests joining a FaceTime call, starting a Zoom meeting, or installing a remote-access app like AnyDesk or TeamViewer. Their goal? To view your screen in real-time while watching you sign into bank accounts, enter passwords, or transfer money. Having this level of access gives criminals the power to steal your money.

What Happens If I Share My Screen with a Scammer?

Once scammers have access to your screen, they use a few different methods to take your money and personal information. This includes:

Watching Account Activity

Sharing your screen while using digital banking lets scammers see EVERYTHING—your balance, security codes, and account numbers. They might even walk you through fake “verification steps” that secretly authorize transfers or link accounts together, giving them direct access to your money.

Stealing Login Credentials

Through screen-sharing scams, criminals can view every PIN, password, and security answer you type in. They will record your information and use it to break into your accounts later. This could happen within days, weeks, or even months after the original call, making the damage harder to trace.

Bypassing Security Measures

Secure banking today often includes two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your accounts. However, it isn’t very effective for security if someone else can see your screen! During a FaceTime call scam, the fraudster watches you receive a 2FA code—usually from a text or app—and enters it themselves to access your account.

Pushing False Investment Opportunities

Many criminals use screen sharing to “help you invest funds” on fake platforms or crypto wallets. They guide you through the process while watching your screen, making sure you complete the transfer so they can take your money.  

How Can I Tell If It’s a Screen-Sharing Scam?

Spotting scams early will help you avoid financial loss while keeping your personal information safe. Look out for these red flags:

• Unsolicited Contact: If you receive an unexpected call from someone you don’t know, be on high alert. Scammers often disguise themselves with fake identities or spoofed caller IDs to appear trustworthy.
• Screen-Sharing Requests: When you share your screen, scammers can see everything: your apps, text messages, passwords, and account information. Anyone who requests to view your phone screen during a video call should raise immediate concern.
• Pressure Tactics: Fraudsters try to rush you by using false threats. They might warn of “account closure” or “legal trouble” unless you act immediately.
• Unusual Payment Requests: Scammers often prefer hard-to-trace payment methods like crypto, P2P payment apps, or gift cards. Real businesses DO NOT operate that way.
• Wants You to Open Your Financial Apps: If someone tells you to log into your bank account or payment app while FaceTiming with you, it is a serious warning sign. This strategy allows scammers to watch and record everything you type, giving them the info they need to break into your accounts later.

How to Avoid FaceTime Scams

Knowing what to watch for is half the battle against screen-sharing fraud! Use these strategies to protect yourself:

• Confirm the Caller’s Identity: Don’t trust the name or number on caller ID. Scammers can easily spoof names and numbers to impersonate real banks or agencies. If the call is unexpected, hang up and contact the actual organization by using the phone number listed on their official website (or printed on your bank statements).
• Don’t Share Screens with Unfamiliar People: Never accept screen-sharing requests from strangers. Reputable companies will only ask for access if you contacted them directly FIRST through secure channels.
• Turn Off Screen-Sharing Features: If you don’t share your screen regularly, consider turning it off through your phone settings. This eliminates the risk completely!
• Guard Sensitive Information: Never type in your banking passwords, PINs, or security codes while talking to someone you don’t know.
• Don’t Let Anyone Pressure You: Fraudsters create fake emergencies to make you panic and act quickly. It’s okay to slow down! Take a moment and think things through before doing anything. Real problems can wait a few minutes while you verify what’s really happening.

What Should I Do If I Shared My Screen with a Scammer?

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a FaceTime screen-sharing scam, it’s time to launch your cybersecurity defense:

• STEP 1 — Cut Off Scammer Contact: End the call or chat, then close any screen-sharing apps. DO NOT respond to any follow-up communications.
• STEP 2 — Gather Evidence: Collect screenshots, phone logs, message threads, emails, and transaction records related to the scam. This documentation will be helpful when you file official reports.
• STEP 3 — Reset Passwords: Change your login credentials for every critical account, especially your banking and email logins. If you have reused the same passwords elsewhere, update those accounts too!
• STEP 4 — Alert Financial Institution: Inform your bank about the incident so they can watch your accounts and deploy additional safety measures. They will also provide guidance on next steps for your situation.
• STEP 5 — File Report with IC3: Submit details to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. Doing so helps federal agencies identify scam trends, investigate cases, and protect others from becoming victims in the future.
• STEP 6 — Freeze Credit: Contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to place a freeze on your credit report. This will prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name without permission.

How to Report Fraud at Armed Forces Bank

Reporting suspicious activity to your bank is essential for guarding your money. At Armed Forces Bank, we make it easy to get in touch:

• METHOD 1 — Secure Digital Messaging: Access your account through mobile banking* or online banking, and send us a secure message through the in-account chat feature.
• METHOD 2 — Online Chat: Visit afbank.com and select the chat icon on the bottom right. Ask to speak with a banker, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, AND Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time.
• METHOD 3 — Direct Phone Support: Call our Client Care line at 888-929-2265, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time.

Remember, the sooner you report potential fraud, the faster we can protect your money. If you are ever unsure, just reach out!

 

FRAUD PROTECTION: Fraud & Scams General; Preventing ID Theft; Reporting ID Theft; Fraud Alerts & Freezes; Mobile Security Tips; Visa Card Security; EMV Chip Technology.

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