TECHNOLOGY
How does WhatsApp scam steal my bank details without me realizing it?
With the push of a button in video calls, criminals can take over the victim’s account and access sensitive data.
When Meta announced that it would implement the screen sharing feature on WhatsApp, concerns were immediately raised about the potential consequences it could bring. In a world where cyber scams are rampant, it was only a matter of time before thieves devised new theft tactics.
Since late 2023, various incidents related to this feature have been reported and notified, but the latest method is even more virulent and rapid. Criminals are targeting vulnerable individuals to carry out their scams: with just a click of a button, they can obtain banking data and all the information contained on the phone.
How does the WhatsApp video call scam occur?
It all begins with a video call from an unknown number, the first warning sign. If the user accepts the incoming call, the scammers inform the victim that there is some sort of technical issue with the camera, so they invite them to press the screen sharing button. Don’t do that!
Once the criminals can see the content on the other phone’s screen, they send an SMS and view the security code. From that moment on, the thieves can take control of the WhatsApp account and transfer it to another phone, rendering the victim unable to access their own account.
The criminals gain access to all messages in the chats, including any sensitive information they may contain. The objective is to obtain data such as bank account details or other important information like ID numbers. As in other cases, prevention is crucial, so the best defense is to reject any suspicious calls. The issue is that many of the people who fall into their traps lack sufficient technological knowledge, making them more vulnerable to these types of actions. Watch out!