Scammers impersonating bank representatives is nothing new, but now there’s a new twist to their scheme. According to reports, scammers are using Apple’s popular FaceTime video calling app to steal banking credentials.
How it Works
Scammers often begin by sending a text about suspicious activity on a victim’s bank or credit card, directing victims to call a number provided in the message. In other cases, victims will receive a call from the scammer claiming they need “additional verification.” Once the scammer has the victim on the phone, they will switch to FaceTime to convince victims to share their screen while they log into their online banking account. This allows the scammer watch in real-time while victims expose passwords, account numbers and even one-time security codes.
Protect Yourself
- Do not share your personal and/or financial information. Legitimate companies will not ask for that information.
- Do not respond to random text messages, call a phone number or click any links included in the text message.
- Never share your screen with anyone you do not know, even if it sounds urgent.
- Hang up. Call your bank or credit card company directly using the phone number on back of the card.
Although The Merrimack does send fraud alerts through text message, we will never ask for information that the bank already has on file, especially sensitive information.
If you’re a Merrimack customer and are concerned your personal or financial information was compromised, please call us directly at 603.225.2793.