WhatsApp screen-sharing scam: How a single call can steal your bank data

This new scheme threatens users’ bank accounts and digital identities

With the rise of cyber fraud, a new scam has emerged known as “WhatsApp Screen-Sharing Fraud”. This scheme threatens users’ bank accounts and digital identities, enabling fraudsters to seize their personal data. Despite being relatively simple, many users are falling victim to it, according to recent warnings issued by OneCard.

According to the Economic Times, scammers contact victims while posing as employees of a bank or trusted financial institution. They then request that the victim enable the screen-sharing feature on WhatsApp. Once the victim agrees, fraudsters gain access to passwords, bank account numbers, private messages, and OTP codes. This opens the door to unauthorized financial transactions or even full control over accounts. In more advanced cases, the fraudster may install malicious software such as a keylogger on the phone to record everything typed, including passwords for banking and social media accounts.

How do victims get tricked?

Fraudsters typically exploit trust and urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly without thinking. They may claim that there is an urgent issue with the bank account and then persuade the victim to enable screen sharing or start a WhatsApp video call. By watching the screen in real time, scammers can capture passwords or codes the moment they are entered. Although some banking apps have safeguards—such as blocking screen recording or automatically ending the session—granting screen-sharing access can override these protections, leaving users exposed.

How can you protect yourself from “screen-sharing fraud”?

To protect yourself, always verify the caller’s identity through official bank channels and never enable screen sharing unless absolutely necessary and only with trusted individuals. Disable the option to install apps from unknown sources, and report suspicious numbers immediately. Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, never use financial apps while screen sharing, and do not give in to pressure to make quick decisions. Ultimately, WhatsApp screen-sharing fraud is a growing threat that exploits users’ trust in technology to steal their financial and personal data. The solution is simple and effective: stay alert, share your screen only when necessary, and always safeguard your banking details and passwords to remain protected from this evolving digital fraud.

44,000 fraud reports worldwide

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has warned users against WhatsApp screen-sharing scams, stressing: “You could be the next victim through WhatsApp’s screen-sharing feature! How? A seemingly friendly message you receive may become the gateway for scammers to exploit your trust and gain access to your phone’s screen content.”

A recent international report revealed that around 44,000 WhatsApp fraud complaints were recorded in the first quarter following the launch of WhatsApp’s new screen-sharing feature—making it the number one platform for scams, ahead of Telegram and Instagram. These schemes often appear as invitations to join “lucrative investment opportunities” or fake job offers.

The new WhatsApp update, which introduced video calls with screen-sharing, has given fraudsters a powerful tool to steal users’ money and data. During a call, everything on your screen—including messages and notifications—can be viewed by the other party. This means sensitive personal information could easily be exposed and misused.