Latest news with #WhatsAppScreenMirroring
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Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Scammers are watching! Think before sharing your screen on WhatsApp
Digital banking has made money management easier, but it has also opened new avenues for fraudsters. Card issuer OneCard has issued an advisory to customers about a rising scam known as WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud. The scam may look harmless at first but can result in major financial and identity theft risks if one falls for it. What is WhatsApp screen mirroring fraud? Fraudsters trick users into sharing their mobile screens over WhatsApp video calls or by guiding them to activate screen-sharing features. Once access is granted, sensitive information such as one-time passwords (OTPs), internet banking credentials, UPI PINs and even private messages can be seen in real time. This enables fraudsters to execute unauthorised transactions and even take over accounts. How does WhatsApp screen mirroring fraud work? According to OneCard's advisory, the fraud works in stages: · Impersonation: Scammers pose as bank or financial company staff and claim there is an urgent issue with your account. · Screen sharing request: They guide you to switch on screen sharing or initiate a WhatsApp video call. · Real-time monitoring: Once access is granted, they can view your banking activity, capture OTPs and steal passwords. · Alternative method: In some cases, victims are tricked into installing malicious apps or 'keyloggers' that record everything typed on the phone. The stolen information is then misused to drain bank accounts, hijack digital wallets, or commit identity theft. How to protect yourself from scams? Some key precautions include: Do's: · Verify caller identity through official numbers or websites before engaging. · Use screen-sharing only with trusted people and only when absolutely necessary. · Keep your phone's software updated and install apps only from verified sources. · Report suspicious calls or incidents immediately to 1930 or Don'ts: · Never act in haste if a caller pressures you about your account. · Avoid using UPI, mobile banking or payment apps while on a screen-sharing session. · Do not click on unknown links or download apps from unofficial sources. Experts caution that such scams often target those unfamiliar with digital tools, including senior citizens. A single lapse can give away banking credentials and compromise your financial security. OneCard advises all users to remain alert, enable two-factor authentication wherever possible, and educate family members about these risks. In short, the safest rule is to never share your screen or OTPs with anyone claiming to be from your bank. Fraudsters thrive on panic and trust, staying calm and verifying every request is your best protection.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Economic Times
What is ‘WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud' that can drain your bank account and lead to identity theft? Learn how you can avoid it
ET Online Beware of 'WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud' which can make you a victim of identity theft and financial loss Recently OneCard issued an advisory to its customers warning them about a potentially dangerous scam known as 'WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud'. While it is relatively easy to avoid this scam, the main issue is not many people are aware of it and hence there are reports of people getting caught up in it. If you fall prey to this scam, you could end up losing access to your bank account, facing identity theft or suffering financial losses. OneCard in its advisory said: 'In this type of scam, fraudsters trick a person into enabling screen-sharing via WhatsApp. This way, the fraudsters gain access to the person's sensitive information such as OTPs, bank details, passwords, personal messages, etc. As a result, the person can fall prey to financial losses, account takeovers and even identify theft.' How does the WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud work? According to the advisory, here's how this fraud works: 1: Trust The fraudster poses as an employee of a trusted organisation like a bank or financial company. They falsely claim that there's an issue with your account and convince you to share your screen with them. This is how the fraud starts. 2: The initiation The fraudster walks you through a tutorial on enabling screen-sharing on your device and then cleverly claims they can't see your screen properly and now need you to start a WhatsApp video call with them. 3: The Theft The fraudsters can see your screen live while you're using a screen-sharing app. They start any banking transaction by claiming it's for verification. The moment you receive the OTP or enter your PIN/Password to approve the transaction, the fraudster is aware of it. 4. Alternative way: Keyboard logger The fraudster could use this alternative methd of installing a keylogger or keyboard logger into your mobile device. A keyboard logger is a type of software that monitors what you type on the virtual keyboard. This is also the reason why many banking websites provide an on-screen keyboard for you, since the keylogger can't capture what you enter using that on-screen the fraudster instals the malicious app or keyboard logger on your mobile device, they can steal your banking passwords, social media passwords, and more. 5. Using the stolen information The fraudster can use the information collected from your mobile device to make unauthorised transactions, mess with your banking accounts and even commit identity fraud. Cyber crime Sheetal R Bhardwaj, executive member of Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS), explains: A new wave of digital fraud is sweeping across India, targeting unsuspecting users through a sophisticated scam known as WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud. This alarming trend exploits trust, technology, and urgency—leaving victims vulnerable to financial and identity theft. Fraudsters typically pose as representatives from trusted institutions such as banks or financial service providers. Under the guise of offering assistance, they convince victims to install remote access or screen mirroring apps. Once active, these apps allow scammers to view everything on the victim's screen in real time, including: One-Time Passwords (OTPs) Banking app activity UPI PINs Personal messages Identity documents "With this access, scammers can instantly steal funds, hijack accounts, and impersonate victims—often before the individual realizes what's happening." Most banking apps in India have adequate protection from these type of frauds Tarun Wig, Co-Founder and CEO, Innefu Labs, explains: "Most of the top banking apps in India do have security features like secure screen overlays, screen capture lockdown and session timeout capabilities. But the efficacy of these protection measures can differ considerably between platforms." "While certain apps prevent screen sharing or screen recording directly, others might lack strong controls especially on rooted or compromised devices. Additionally, if customers inadvertently provide screen-sharing permissions, some third-party applications can bypass such security measures. It's an area where ongoing innovation and stronger app-level controls are necessary in order to remain ahead of changing fraud schemes." How to protect yourself from WhatsApp screen sharing fraud? According to the advisory, here are some dos and don'ts that, if you follow them properly, can help you avoid falling victim to the WhatsApp screen sharing fraud: Dos Verify the authenticity of callers claiming to be from banks or finance companies. Enable screen-sharing only when absolutely necessary and do it only with trusted contacts. If you use an Android phone, disable the 'App installations from unknown sources' setting. Block suspicious numbers immediately and report them to or call 1930. Don'ts: Avoid answering calls from unknown or suspicious numbers. Never use financial apps (e.g. mobile banking, UPI apps, e-wallets) during screen-sharing. You can also call the cyber crime helpline at 1930 or go to explains what you can do to stay safe: Verify the caller's identity through official channels before engaging. Avoid screen-sharing unless absolutely necessary and only with trusted contacts. Enable two-factor authentication on all financial and messaging apps. Keep your phone's operating system and apps updated to close security gaps. Educate family members, especially elders, who are often targeted by such scams. Notify your bank to freeze or secure your accounts. DON'T: Never answer calls from unknown numbers that pressure you to act quickly. Avoid using financial apps during any screen-sharing session—even with trusted individuals.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
What is ‘WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud' that can drain your bank account and lead to identity theft? Learn how you can avoid it
What is this WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud? How does the WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud work? 1: Trust 2: The initiation 3: The Theft 4. Alternative way: Keyboard logger 5. Using the stolen information Cyber crime A new wave of digital fraud is sweeping across India, targeting unsuspecting users through a sophisticated scam known as WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud. This alarming trend exploits trust, technology, and urgency—leaving victims vulnerable to financial and identity theft. Fraudsters typically pose as representatives from trusted institutions such as banks or financial service providers. Under the guise of offering assistance, they convince victims to install remote access or screen mirroring apps. Once active, these apps allow scammers to view everything on the victim's screen in real time, including: One-Time Passwords (OTPs) Banking app activity UPI PINs Personal messages Identity documents "With this access, scammers can instantly steal funds, hijack accounts, and impersonate victims—often before the individual realizes what's happening." Most banking apps in India have adequate protection from these type of frauds "Most of the top banking apps in India do have security features like secure screen overlays, screen capture lockdown and session timeout capabilities. But the efficacy of these protection measures can differ considerably between platforms." "While certain apps prevent screen sharing or screen recording directly, others might lack strong controls especially on rooted or compromised devices. Additionally, if customers inadvertently provide screen-sharing permissions, some third-party applications can bypass such security measures. It's an area where ongoing innovation and stronger app-level controls are necessary in order to remain ahead of changing fraud schemes." How to protect yourself from WhatsApp screen sharing fraud? Dos Verify the authenticity of callers claiming to be from banks or finance companies. Enable screen-sharing only when absolutely necessary and do it only with trusted contacts. If you use an Android phone, disable the 'App installations from unknown sources' setting. Block suspicious numbers immediately and report them to or call 1930. Don'ts: Avoid answering calls from unknown or suspicious numbers. Never use financial apps (e.g. mobile banking, UPI apps, e-wallets) during screen-sharing. Verify the caller's identity through official channels before engaging. Avoid screen-sharing unless absolutely necessary and only with trusted contacts. Enable two-factor authentication on all financial and messaging apps. Keep your phone's operating system and apps updated to close security gaps. Educate family members, especially elders, who are often targeted by such scams. Notify your bank to freeze or secure your accounts. DON'T: Never answer calls from unknown numbers that pressure you to act quickly. Avoid using financial apps during any screen-sharing session—even with trusted individuals. Recently OneCard issued an advisory to its customers warning them about a potentially dangerous scam known as ' WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud '. While it is relatively easy to avoid this scam, the main issue is not many people are aware of it and hence there are reports of people getting caught up in it. If you fall prey to this scam, you could end up losing access to your bank account, facing identity theft or suffering financial in its advisory said: 'In this type of scam, fraudsters trick a person into enabling screen-sharing via WhatsApp. This way, the fraudsters gain access to the person's sensitive information such as OTPs, bank details, passwords, personal messages, etc. As a result, the person can fall prey to financial losses, account takeovers and even identify theft.'According to the advisory, here's how this fraud works:The fraudster poses as an employee of a trusted organisation like a bank or financial company. They falsely claim that there's an issue with your account and convince you to share your screen with them. This is how the fraud fraudster walks you through a tutorial on enabling screen-sharing on your device and then cleverly claims they can't see your screen properly and now need you to start a WhatsApp video call with fraudsters can see your screen live while you're using a screen-sharing app. They start any banking transaction by claiming it's for verification. The moment you receive the OTP or enter your PIN/Password to approve the transaction, the fraudster is aware of fraudster could use this alternative methd of installing a keylogger or keyboard logger into your mobile device. A keyboard logger is a type of software that monitors what you type on the virtual keyboard. This is also the reason why many banking websites provide an on-screen keyboard for you, since the keylogger can't capture what you enter using that on-screen the fraudster instals the malicious app or keyboard logger on your mobile device, they can steal your banking passwords, social media passwords, and fraudster can use the information collected from your mobile device to make unauthorised transactions, mess with your banking accounts and even commit identity R Bhardwaj, executive member of Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS), explains:Tarun Wig, Co-Founder and CEO, Innefu Labs, explains:According to the advisory, here are some dos and don'ts that, if you follow them properly, can help you avoid falling victim to the WhatsApp screen sharing fraud:You can also call the cyber crime helpline at 1930 or go to explains what you can do to stay safe:
