This is how the new scam works on WhatsApp when sharing screen

The cybersecurity company ESET Latin America warned about a new type of fraud on WhatsApp which takes advantage of the screen sharing feature to robar personal information, passwords and money.

According to the report released on October 29, the criminals manage access devices of the victims through fake video callsposing as representatives of banks, companies, technical services or even family members in trouble.

READ: The new law against extortion is positive, but its application must be monitored: expert

An increasingly common method

The deception is part of a growing trend of scams on messaging platforms. In fact, In August 2025, Meta eliminated more than 6.8 million WhatsApp accounts related to digital fraud networks.

ESET explains that this technique is so effective due to three main factors:

• The use of video calls, which generates a feeling of trust.
• The creation of an urgent situation, which causes fear or pressure.
• The screen sharing request, which gives full access to the device.

This is how scammers operate

First contact

Everything starts with a video call from an unknown number. Criminals pretend to be employees of a bank, service companies or even WhatsApp or Meta technical support. In other cases, they pretend to be a friend or family member in trouble.

To gain credibility, they often use spoofed numbers with local prefixes and keep the camera off or the image distorted.

Creation of the problem

Then, they pose a urgent scenario —an unauthorized charge, a blocked account or an alleged prize— in order for the victim to act quickly without verifying the information.

Screen sharing request

Under the pretext of “help solve the problem”ask to activate the screen sharing function or install remote access applications such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer.

At that moment, when the WhatsApp verification code appears on the screen, the attacker views it and takes full control of the account.

Data and money theft

Once the screen is visible, scammers can observe passwords, bank codes and movements in real time. In some cases, they install keylogger malware to record every key pressed and continue the theft later.

The outcome

With all the information obtained, the criminals empty bank accounts, ask for money to contacts or use compromised accounts to spread the scam to new victims.

Real cases around the world

ESET has identified victims in different countries.

In Brazil, a woman lost three thousand reais after a scammer, posing as a hacked friend, convinced her to share her screen and open her banking application.

READ: ‘They were left pending in the new law against extortion,’ says expert

In Hong Kong, another person was robbed of $5.5 million after receiving a fake “tech support” call that led them to reveal their passwords.

How to protect yourself?

The cybersecurity firm recommends following several preventive measures:

• Never share the screen during calls or video calls.
• Do not reveal verification codes or passwords to anyone.
• Be wary of urgent or unusual requests, even if they come from known contacts.
• Verify the authenticity of calls or messages directly with the institutions through official channels.
• Turn on two-step verification to add an extra layer of security to your account.

ESET concludes that the best defense remains prevention and information: know the warning signs, stay calm when faced with suspicious messages and adopt safe digital habits It can make the difference between being a victim or avoiding fraud.

EE