Our world has started to revolve around social media, especially WhatsApp. Its features help us stay connected with our friends and family and make payments. However, the number of cyber scams in India grows with people’s dependency on social media. It is difficult for authorities to stop these crime rates because whenever a crime is caught, scammers come up with some new way to do it.
Most cyber frauds happen when people share their OTP, known as a one-time password, which can be later used for money transfers. According to some reports, a new scam on WhatsApp targets the WhatsApp screen-sharing feature. The cybercriminals request that users simply share their screens, through which they get access to one’s smartphones, which can also be used for OTPs. Many innocent users become victims and face financial loss. The scammers manipulate users into sharing their screen on the Whatsapp video call feature by faking their identity, creating a sense of urgency, or offering help with phone-related issues.
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However, when the user starts to share their screen, they give access to the scammers to seize the information, such as OTP, bank account details, and social media accounts, unknowingly. The most surprising part of this plan is that it does not require users to willingly share any information. The users just need to click on the screen share button. While this seems like a very normal offering of assistance, it allows scammers to do many illegal activities.
How to avoid being scammed?
- Do not answer voice or video calls from unknown numbers on WhatsApp. Check for the caller’s identity before answering the call.
- Never share OTP and other bank account details, such as credit or debit card numbers and CVVs.
- Do not share your passwords with anyone, even if they claim to be officials.
- Ensure to open the required files before sharing the screen through WhatsApp, and refrain from opening confidential information of any sort.
