can a scam call affect faceID in iPhone

[philipj451]

Hi,

just had an odd experience, received a (probably) scam call where I said "no thanks" and hung up. I then went to open my phone. Usually I just hold my phone (iPhone 13)  up and FaceID unlocks it - but this time it said "FaceID needs your pin code to unlock". I started to tap the digits but then suddenly though I had never seen this happen before so I stopped. I wondered if the scammer could somehow hold the line open and pick up what I was tapping in, so I power-cycled the phone and then changed my pin-code just in case.

My question: Is there any possibility that a scammer could do this ? Hold the line active even though I hung up on him and then see what I was tapping?

I realize that I might just be over-paranoid but it does seem that hackers and scammers get more and more sophisticated as the technology is given more and more "features".

Thanks in anticipation of any thoughts/advice

PhilipJ

[Alex_H]

Hi @philipj451,

It shouldn't be possible for a scammer to keep a call active without you being able to see on the phone that the call was still ongoing. Periodically or after certain actions, your phone will require the PIN code be re-entered when using Face ID, it sounds like it may have just been bad timing with it popping up after the call. 

You can see here what can cause the phone to require your PIN, under the "A passcode or password is also required if the device is in any of the following states" part Face ID, Touch ID, passcodes and passwords – Apple Support (UK)

But being extra safe as you have is always good practice whenever in doubt. If you have not already we also have a link here where you can report the scam call Online Security: Avoid and Prevent Scams | EE

Alex

[Schockwave]

@philipj451 , the only way scammers can see what you are doing with your phone, would be if you added an app, any desk, then they would control your phone, so if you did not install it you should be ok. You should watch scam interceptors on BBC,. Mine often asks for pin for safety reason, so you should be ok.