A tactic used by a growing number of scammers is to impersonate help centres in order to trick victims into sharing their screens via WhatsApp. By doing so, they can obtain sensitive information like bank account details and verification codes.

Meta says WhatsApp will now intervene when someone attempts to use screen sharing with an unknown contact during a video call. The company will also proactively flag suspicious-looking chats in Facebook Messenger …

Scammers frequently create online accounts and Facebook pages claiming to be customer service representatives for banks, airlines, and other companies. They follow brand accounts looking for comments from customers experiencing problems, then message these people claiming to be a helpdesk for the brand.

They ask the victim to share their screen before logging on to the service so that they can capture sensitive information. While they generally cannot capture passwords directly, they can get the username and other information needed to make a password change request. They can then see the verification code arrive on the victim’s screen.

Meta says that it will now be proactively warning potential victims not to share their screens with people they don’t know.

On WhatsApp, we’re launching warnings when you attempt to share your screen with an unknown contact during a video call. We know scammers may pressure their targets to share their screen to trick people into giving away sensitive information including bank details or verification codes. With this new tool we give our users more context to spot and avoid scams.

It will also be monitoring Facebook Messenger chats for common signs of a scam, like unsolicited job offers.

On Messenger, we’re testing more advanced scam detection in chats. When this is enabled and a new contact sends a potentially scammy message, we warn you and give you an option to send recent chat messages for AI scam review. If a potential scam is detected, you will get more information on common scams, and we will suggest actions including blocking or reporting the suspicious account.

The company notes that seniors are often overrepresented in internet crime victim stats, and offers tips about how to avoid falling for scams.

• Be cautious with unsolicited messages or calls. Never share personal or financial information like your Social Security number or account numbers in response to unexpected calls, emails, or texts. Legitimate companies and government agencies won’t ask for this information out of the blue.
• Pause and check in with people you trust.  Scammers often create a false sense of urgency or panic. If someone pressures you to act quickly or keep things secret, that’s a red flag. Take a moment, and talk to someone you trust before responding.
• Use official customer service channels. If you need help, always call the company’s official hotline or go to their website to find their contact info. Don’t click on links in emails or texts, and avoid posting complaints on public forums — scammers look for these opportunities.

We can all help by getting in touch with less techie friends and family to point them to these kinds of resources.

• Official Apple Store on Amazon
• Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter for iPhone 17
• Official Apple iPhone Air cases and bumpers
• iPhone Air MagSafe Battery
• Official iPhone Air case
• Official iPhone 17 cases
• Official iPhone 17 Pro cases and Pro Max cases

Image: 9to5Mac/Meta/Alexander Grey on Unsplash