WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud: The methods of fraud are constantly changing in the digital world. Now, cyber criminals have targeted people’s most trusted chat app, WhatsApp. Recently, fintech company OneCard has issued an advisory warning to be careful of WhatsApp screen mirroring fraud. Through this scam, hackers gain control of the entire phone of the users and can steal every important information from the bank account to the password. Not only OneCard, but many other companies have also warned about this scam earlier.
What is WhatsApp screen mirroring fraud?
The most dangerous thing about this fraud is that in this the users themselves unknowingly share their phone screen with the scammers. Fraudsters call by introducing themselves as bank officials or service providers. They say that there is a problem in your account, or you have won a prize, for which screen sharing is necessary to claim it. As soon as the user shares the screen, the fraudsters see their bank login, OTP, and password in real time.
This is how this scam works
Usually, this fraud starts with a normal call. The caller first tries to win trust and then takes the conversation to a WhatsApp video call. After this, he shares a link or code. As soon as the victim clicks on the link or enters the code, the hacker gets remote access to their phone. Now it becomes very easy for him to access the net banking password, UPI PIN, CVV, or OTP.
Why is this scam dangerous?
Far beyond normal phishing or SMS fraud, screen mirroring fraud shows every activity of your phone in real time. That is, even if you never shared the password directly, this scam can still fool you. Cyber experts say that with just one mistake, the entire bank balance can be wiped out, card details can be stolen and even private chats can be used for blackmail.
Complaints are coming from all over the country
Complaints of this fraud have started coming from many parts of India. Many victims said that they were lured with bank account verification or cashback offers. Some people were threatened that if they did not share the screen, their accounts would be blocked. But as soon as they agreed to the scammers, their account was emptied in a few minutes.
How to avoid this digital trap
According to cyber security experts, the biggest way to avoid this fraud is vigilance. Verify the identity of any unknown caller. Never enable screen sharing without reason, and if you have to do it, do it only with trusted contacts. Immediately block calls from suspicious numbers and lodge a complaint on the cybercrime portal. Also, do not use any kind of digital payment or net banking during screen sharing.
Be aware, stay safe
WhatsApp has become an important part of our daily lives, but cybercriminals are cheating people by taking advantage of this trust. WhatsApp screen mirroring fraud is proof that online fraud has now become more clever than ever. In such a situation, OneCard’s advisory has come at the right time. Remember—the more aware we are, the more difficult it will be for criminals to defraud us.