{"id":232863,"date":"2026-07-17T05:00:48","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T12:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=232863"},"modified":"2026-07-16T13:40:01","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T20:40:01","slug":"facetime-bank-scam-fake-qr-code-this-week-in-scam-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/security-news\/facetime-bank-scam-fake-qr-code-this-week-in-scam-news\/","title":{"rendered":"The FaceTime Bank Scam That Can Expose Your Passwords in Real Time: This Week in Scams"},"content":{"rendered":"

Scammers\u00a0don’t\u00a0always need sophisticated malware to steal your money. Increasingly,\u00a0they’re\u00a0relying on something much simpler:\u00a0<\/span>your trust.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This week, fraudsters were reported using\u00a0<\/span>FaceTime<\/span><\/b>\u00a0to watch victims log into their online banking accounts in real time, while Arizona authorities warned about\u00a0<\/span>fake QR codes<\/span><\/b>\u00a0exploiting the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s\u00a0what happened, and how to protect yourself.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Scammers Are Using FaceTime to Watch Victims Log\u00a0Into\u00a0Their Bank Accounts<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

A growing\u00a0scam\u00a0is turning one of Apple’s most familiar apps into a tool for financial fraud.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to\u00a0<\/span>CBS News<\/span><\/b>, scammers first contact victims by text or phone while pretending to\u00a0represent\u00a0their bank or credit card company. They claim there’s suspicious activity on the account and that\u00a0additional\u00a0verification is needed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of keeping the conversation on a regular phone call, they switch to\u00a0<\/span>FaceTime<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Victims are then convinced to\u00a0<\/span>share their screens<\/span><\/b>\u00a0while logging into online banking. As they do, scammers can watch account numbers, passwords, and even one-time security codes appear in real time.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How the\u00a0scam\u00a0works<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. You receive a text or phone call claiming there’s fraud on your account.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. The caller directs you to continue the conversation over FaceTime.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. You’re\u00a0asked to share your screen while logging into your bank.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. The scammer watches your passwords and verification codes as you enter them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Remember:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0Your bank should never ask you to share your screen or reveal one-time authentication codes. If you receive an unexpected call, hang up and contact your bank using the number on the back of your card or through its official app.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Fake QR Codes Are Exploiting the Search for Nancy Guthrie<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Authorities in Arizona are warning the public about another\u00a0scam\u2014this time involving the disappearance of\u00a0<\/span>84-year-old Nancy Guthrie<\/span><\/b>, mother of\u00a0<\/span>Today<\/span><\/i>\u00a0show host Savannah Guthrie.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    According to the\u00a0<\/span>Pima County Sheriff’s Department<\/span><\/b>, scammers have been circulating social media posts\u00a0containing\u00a0<\/span>QR codes requesting donations<\/span><\/b>\u00a0connected to the investigation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The department says it\u00a0<\/span>will never ask the public for money related to this case or any investigation<\/span><\/b>\u00a0and urged people not to scan QR codes requesting payment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    The warning comes as investigators continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, whose disappearance\u00a0remains\u00a0under investigation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to spot QR code\u00a0scams<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n