WhatsApp Scam Alert! One Wrong Step Could Lock You Out Of Your Bank And UPI; Here's How

Amid the era of financial fraud and cyber attacks, scammers are opting for another trick to get access to victims' bank account details and even their UPI passwords. The scam called WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud could lock WhatsApp users out of their bank account applications, and even expose their sensitive information like OTPs and bank details.

WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Scam, also known as WhatsApp Screen Share Scam, is the misuse of the Meta-owned messaging platform's new feature. While the feature to share one's screen was launched months ago, fraudsters are using it to trick victims and get access to sensitive information present in their mobile phone.

What is WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Scam?

The scam involves the use of WhatsApp's screen-sharing feature. During a WhatsApp video call, people can use the feature to share their screen with another person on the call. "WhatsApp's screen-sharing feature allows users to share their screens with other participants during a video call, is misused by fraudsters to defraud victims. With this feature enabled, the other participants in the video call can view all activities in user device (who has shared their screen) including SMS and applications opened," warned Canara Bank in a notice.

Recently, OneCard also alerted its users to stay aware about the fraud. The scam is easy to avoid, but many people who are still unaware about the feature may fall prey to the scam. Many fraudsters often pretend to be from trusted organisations like banks, etc. Once the victim receives the call, they pretend to be an official from an esteemed organisation.

Later, they turn off their camera and claim that there is some issue with their bank account or inform about any other discrepancies in their details. Then they ask the victim to share the screen on WhatsApp so that they can clearly see the screen.
As they get the access to victim's screen in real-time. They initiate banking transactions under the guise of verification.

When the victim receive an OTP or enter a PIN, they capture this information. Alternatively, they might install a keylogger on your device to monitor keystrokes.
A keylogger records everything typed on your virtual keyboard. This is why many banking sites offer on-screen keyboards that keyloggers can't track. Once installed, fraudsters can steal passwords for banking and social media accounts.

How To Stay Safe From WhatsApp Mirroring Scam?

-Do not receive calls or entertain calls from suspicious or unfamiliar numbers.
-You can also opt for online applications like TrueCaller to track details of caller and find out if the caller is a scam or fraud.
-In case of anything suspicious, immediately drop the call, block and report the number.
-Never receive call from unknown number on WhatsApp. In case you have received a similar call, then make sure to never agree for video call on WhatsApp.
-Block and report such numbers if found suspicious

-Never use WhatsApp screen sharing feature when you are on a call with any unfamiliar person.

-Even if the callers convince themselves to be from a trusted organisation or customer support, ensure the authenticity before enabling the screen-sharing feature in WhatsApp

-Never use financial applications such as mobile banking, e-wallets, etc. while on screen-sharing

-Disable the feature of 'App installations from unknown sources' in the settings of your mobile device