OneCard has issued an alert regarding a sophisticated digital scam targeting users. The WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud can lead to the complete draining of a bank account in a matter of minutes, along with the theft of sensitive personal information.
Understanding the WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Scam:
The scam operates by fraudsters impersonating bank or financial institution employees to gain the trust of potential victims. They then manipulate users into enabling screen sharing on WhatsApp.
Once screen sharing is activated:
* Scammers gain real-time access to OTPs, passwords, banking details, and messages.
* They may deceptively request OTPs or PINs under the guise of verifying transactions.
* The compromised data is immediately utilized, resulting in swift financial loss.
Additional Tactics: Malware Apps and Keyboard Loggers
Some scammers resort to tricking users into installing malware apps containing hidden keyboard loggers. These loggers record every keystroke made on the device. Banks employ on-screen keyboards on their websites to counteract this threat.
Consequences of Stolen Data:
With access to stolen information, fraudsters can:
* Illegally withdraw funds from bank accounts.
* Conduct unauthorized financial transactions.
* Engage in other forms of identity theft and financial fraud.
How to Protect Yourself:
* Refrain from screen sharing on WhatsApp.
* Banks will never request OTPs or screen sharing via WhatsApp.
* Avoid installing applications or clicking links from untrusted sources.
* Ensure your phone and banking applications are regularly updated.