Scammers increasingly using FaceTime, video calls to appear legitimate, experts warn

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Consumers who routinely ignore robocalls may now face a new threat: scammers using FaceTime and other video calling platforms to appear more trustworthy.

Experts say fraudsters are increasingly turning to video calls as a way to build confidence with potential victims and make scams appear more legitimate.

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The tactic can be even more convincing with the use of artificial intelligence tools that can alter appearance and voice.

"People consider it safe; that has become the new channel for fraudsters and scammers," said Clayton LiaBraaten, a fraud prevention expert at TrueCaller.

While video calls may seem like a useful way to verify who is contacting you, LiaBraaten said fraudsters are exploiting the trust people place in face-to-face communication.

"But because it's so familiar and intimate with people, the fraudsters and scammers, who are astute social engineers are taking advantage of that and making it very personal indeed," he said.

One of the most common schemes involves criminals posing as tech support representatives. They claim there is a problem with a device and ask victims to grant remote access or share their screens, allowing scammers to gain access to personal information.

"There's a presumption on good intent which really doesn't exist. And what they're doing too is they're using a feature of screensharing on FaceTimes," LiaBraaten said.

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Criminals are also impersonating financial institutions, seeking access to bank accounts or persuading people to move money. Experts say scammers often research potential victims through social media, create personalized scripts and use AI to disguise their appearance and voice.

"What we see is very surgically targeted, highly personalized, right, microtargeting. They will be much more impactful, and much more productive for the bad guys," LiaBraaten said.

Experts recommend avoiding video calls from unknown numbers and only answering calls from people in your contact list. Consumers should block and report suspicious numbers through their wireless provider and smartphone settings.

Wireless providers may also offer services to help stop unwanted calls. Third-party services such as Hiya, Nomorobo, TNS and TrueCaller can also help block unwanted calls.

"They're taking advantage of FaceTime being relatively obscure compared to phone calls and texts, and that's exactly what they're hoping for," LiaBraaten said.

Consumers should never allow remote access to their devices when contacted by someone unexpectedly and should never move money at the request of someone claiming to be from a bank or law enforcement agency.

Instead, independently contact companies or financial institutions using official phone numbers, such as those printed on the back of a bank card, or visit a bank branch in person.

Additional information about blocking unwanted calls is available from the Federal Communications Commission.