A new wave of digital fraud, known as WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud, is sweeping across India, tricking unsuspecting users into sharing their screens with scammers posing as trusted officials. Victims risk losing money, control of their bank accounts, and even their identities all while believing they are protecting themselves.
How the Fraud Works: Trust, Urgency, and Theft
The fraud begins with deception. Scammers typically pose as bank employees, financial company representatives, or service providers. They warn victims of supposed “issues” with their accounts and coax them into enabling screen-sharing or mirroring on WhatsApp.
Once screen sharing is active, the scam escalates quickly. Fraudsters can see victims’ screens in real time capturing OTPs, banking activity, UPI PINs, passwords, and even sensitive identity documents. In some cases, they encourage victims to download malicious apps or keyloggers that silently record everything typed on a virtual keyboard.
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With this access, criminals can hijack accounts, impersonate victims, and execute fraudulent transactions all before the victim realizes what has happened.
Why Security Measures Aren’t Always Enough
Experts say that while Indian banking apps are equipped with strong security features such as screen overlays, session timeouts, and restrictions on screen recording fraudsters exploit user trust and social engineering tactics to bypass them.
This highlights a troubling paradox: the security technology exists, but human vulnerability remains the weakest link.
Protecting Yourself: Dos and Don’ts
Financial experts stress that awareness is the best defense. An advisory outlines simple precautions:
- Dos:
- Verify the identity of any caller claiming to be from a bank.
- Share your screen only when absolutely necessary, and only with trusted contacts.
- Disable installation of apps from unknown sources on Android devices.
- Report suspicious numbers to cybercrime.gov.in or dial 1930.
- Don’ts:
- Never answer calls from suspicious or unknown numbers.
- Avoid conducting financial transactions during a screen-sharing session.
- Don’t rush into action if pressured over the phone.
Researcher emphasize that educating family members especially elders who are frequently targeted is critical.
“The scam thrives on urgency and fear. If people pause to verify, most fraud attempts can be neutralized.”