Hackers have started using this strange method and through this most dangerous button in WhatsApp to empty your account
Scams have become commonplace, and hackers are relentless in their desire to steal sensitive information from users, especially banking and personal data.
In this context, WhatsApp has become the main target for scammers, taking advantage of its popularity and the trust that users place in this messaging application. It is worth noting that among the many methods they have developed to trick people, there is a particularly dangerous one that can empty your bank account in minutes.
Through the platform, cybercriminals found a way to access users' financial information through a simple function: the screen share button.
The screen sharing button, originally designed to facilitate communication between people, has become a gateway for fraudsters to monitor every move you make on your mobile phone. This means they can see when you type in your banking passwords, as well as all your credit card details.
- The Tech Behind the Scam: How They Trick You into Sharing Your Screen on WhatsApp
This dangerous technique relies on a simple button: the screen share button. Fraudsters pretend to be banking entities, contact you via WhatsApp and alert you about an alleged problem with your account or card. To “fix the problem,” they convince you to start a video call.
However, the key is that during this call, they do not activate the camera, a gesture that would go unnoticed by most people. What they do is convince you that to solve the supposed problem, you should activate the screen sharing function on your mobile phone.
By doing this, you give them full access to everything you do on your mobile phone in real time. They will guide you step by step so that you can log in to your bank’s app, enter your username and password, and even enter any verification code you receive via SMS or other security method.
The problem is that while you follow their instructions, the scammers are monitoring your every move. At this point, they can see everything from the credentials you use to log into your bank account to your credit card details.
From there, it's easy for them to steal your information, access your account, and empty it without you even realizing it until it's too late. That way, they don't need to hack into your computer or install software, you're the one who unknowingly gives them direct access to your information.
- How can you protect yourself?
The most important thing to avoid falling into this trap is to be careful and not trust any suspicious requests, even if they appear to be from a legitimate source. You should always keep in mind some guidelines to protect yourself.
Be wary of any contact that asks for personal information, especially your banking information, do not share your screen, do not log into your banking app during a video call, and most importantly, keep your device up to date.