My loss of Face over phone scam

I STUMBLED across a new trick being used by crooks and, despite regularly writing and talking about scams, I nearly fell for it.

I received a Facetime call, which I usually only receive from family or people I know well. I am sure this is the case with most people.

It was not from a number in my contact list but, going on auto pilot, I answered and believed it must be from someone I know.

No one was visible but I could hear talking in the background.

The caller then took my picture by taking a screenshot via the Facetime call.

Photos

A message appeared on the screen alerting me to this. Immediately I got suspicious and terminated the call.

I then remembered a similar issue I wrote about several weeks ago in relation to rogue delivery drivers taking photos of people’s faces rather than the goods on their doorstep.

Clearly, Facetime is now another method for fraudsters to get your photograph, which is naturally valuable in their ploy to steal your identity.

Adam, from North London, believes fraudsters took his picture on a Facetime call and used it to make a fake driving licence.

This was the ID used when they attempted to make a credit application. Thankfully, the application was refused as the lender was suspicious. Never answer a Facetime call if you do not know the identity of the caller.

If you feel you really need to answer the phone, point the camera to the ceiling or floor until you have ascertained who is on the end of the call.

Tech expert Will Guyatt told me that while you will get a notification if a photo/screenshot is taken during a Facetime call, you will not receive any notification if the caller screen records.

Will also pointed out that exactly the same problem can occur with a video Whatsapp call but with these calls you receive no notification if your picture is taken during the call.