Screen Sharing on WhatsApp Calls: When to Say No
Scammers ask you to share your screen during a WhatsApp video call to 'help' you. They then see your codes, banking and messages. What screen sharing exposes and when to say no.
WhatsApp video calls let you share your screen. It is handy for helping a relative with a setting. Scammers use it too: a "bank officer", "support agent" or "investment coach" asks you to share your screen so they can guide you. From then on, they see everything.
What screen sharing exposes
- Verification codes arriving as notifications, including your WhatsApp code. See the code scam.
- Banking and mobile money apps: balances, account numbers and PIN entry.
- Passwords you type while they watch.
- Private messages and photos.
Common scripts
- "I'm from your bank. Share your screen so I can cancel the fraudulent payment." See fake bank accounts.
- "Share your screen and I'll help you withdraw your profits." See investment assistants.
- "We need to verify your account. Share your screen and open your messages."
Never share your screen with someone who contacted you. Banks, support teams and government agencies do not need to see your screen.
If you already shared
- Stop sharing and end the call.
- Call your bank on the number on your card if financial apps were visible.
- Change any passwords that were visible or typed.
- Check WhatsApp still works and turn on two-step verification.
Related: screen sharing scams and remote access app scams. For more, see WhatsApp scam warning signs.
Frequently asked questions
What can someone see when I share my screen?
Everything on your screen while sharing, including notifications with codes, banking apps, messages and passwords you type.
Is screen sharing ever safe?
With people you know and trust, for a clear reason, it can be. Never with someone who contacted you unexpectedly.
I shared my screen with a stranger. What now?
Stop sharing, end the call, change passwords you may have shown, and call your bank if banking apps were visible.
Sources
- How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
- About suspicious messages and scams, WhatsApp Help Center
- How to recover a compromised account, WhatsApp Help Center
