• By Alex David
  • Mon, 18 Aug 2025 01:17 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Thieves have come up with a clever new scheme, called the WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud, to siphon off cash and scoop up personal information bit by bit. The recent alert by the fintech company OneCard is just the latest reminder that banks—both big and small—keep telling people, “Don’t fall for this dangerous trick!”

How the Scam Works

First, a fake bank call arrives. The scammers act like real bank staff and insist there’s a major problem with your account that must be fixed now. After creating a sense of urgency, they use that pressure to convince you to let them see your phone’s screen, promising that they will examine the supposed error.

Next, you end up on a WhatsApp video call. You’re asked to turn on screen-sharing, and the scammer gets an eyes-wide-open view of everything you do. When you tap in your login password, PIN, or that pesky one-time password (OTP) for a money transfer, they’re quietly recording every move.

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Sometimes it gets even trickier. The crooks trick people into downloading fake apps that act like normal banking tools but secretly have “keyloggers.” Every letter you tap is stored by the app and sent straight to the thief’s device.

Expert Insights

Experts add some sobering facts. Tarun Wig, the head of security company Innefu Labs, says that many Indian banks do build protections into their apps, like layers that hide password screens, one-time pop-up block warnings, or quick session timeouts. “Still, if you grant screen-sharing access, all that security vanishes.” To guard your money, the apps need stronger locks in place, even as scams keep upgrading. Stay alert, and keep your eyes on your screen, not a stranger’s call.

Safety Tips to Protect Yourself

Do’s:

  • Ask who’s calling before giving away a single detail.
  • Show your screen only to friends you trust.
  • On your Android, switch off “Allow app installs from unknown sources.”
  • Flag any weird numbers to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t open your banking app while screen-sharing.
  • Skip any call that doesn’t show a name you recognise.
  • Never text your PIN, OTP, or account info—even on WhatsApp.
  • Ignore any WhatsApp message that asks you to pay or verify.

Don’t hop on open public Wi-Fi while using WhatsApp.

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Broader Online Safety Measures

  • If someone sounds panicked online, call them back on a different phone.
  • Erase all your data before you hand your phone to someone new.
  • Turn off automatic downloads for photos and videos.
  • Report and block anyone who seems fishy or rude.

With scams like these on the rise, awareness and caution remain your strongest defence against digital fraudsters.