California: A new cyber fraud technique targeting iPhone users has emerged, with criminals misusing Apple’s video calling platform FaceTime to obtain sensitive information from victims. Apple has issued a warning to users, stating that while FaceTime itself is secure, cybercriminals are exploiting the platform for fraud and social engineering-based attacks.
According to Apple, scammers are contacting users while pretending to be bank officials, government employees or representatives of trusted organisations. These criminals often begin by sending messages or making calls that create fear and urgency, such as claims about suspicious activity in bank accounts, security issues or ongoing investigations.
After gaining the victim’s attention, scammers invite them to join a FaceTime video call. During the call, they attempt to appear professional and trustworthy before gradually persuading users to reveal sensitive details such as passwords, banking information, one-time passwords (OTPs) or other personal data.
Apple said that in some cases, cybercriminals may also attempt to threaten or blackmail victims during video calls. They may misuse personal information or recorded conversations to create pressure and force victims into complying with their demands.
The company has advised users not to share sensitive information with unknown individuals during FaceTime calls. Apple clarified that the company, banks or any legitimate government organisation will never ask users to provide passwords, security codes or financial details through video calls.
For enhanced protection, Apple has recommended several security measures. Users should avoid answering video calls from unknown numbers and should not click on suspicious links received through messages. Any unusual request or conversation involving pressure, urgency or threats should be immediately discontinued.
Apple has also advised users to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on their devices and keep their iPhone operating systems updated with the latest security patches. Regular software updates help fix security vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity experts said that video call-based fraud represents an advanced form of social engineering, where criminals exploit human emotions and trust rather than relying only on technical vulnerabilities. The face-to-face nature of video calls often makes victims believe that the person on the other side is genuine and reliable.
According to a Researcher at Algoritha Security, cybercriminals are no longer limited to fake websites or fraudulent messages. They are increasingly using video and audio-based methods to make scams more convincing and effective. Users should verify the identity of individuals before sharing any personal or financial information through digital communication platforms.
Experts believe that as the use of digital platforms continues to expand, cybercriminals will keep developing new methods to target users. Awareness, strong security settings and timely reporting of suspicious activities remain the most effective ways to prevent cyber fraud.
Apple has advised users that if they receive a suspicious FaceTime call or encounter a fraudulent attempt, they should capture relevant screenshots and report the incident to the company. Such reporting can help Apple identify emerging scam patterns and take steps to prevent similar cyber threats.
