Screen Sharing Scams on UPI Platform Soar: Be Aware of New Trickster Tactics

Post Views: 3

Screen-Sharing Scams Pose a Growing Threat to UPI Users

A rising wave of cyber crime targeting Unified Payments Interface (UPI) users is gaining momentum, with a particularly insidious method emerging: screen-sharing scams.

Method of Operation:

These scams involve fraudsters posing as customer support or online sellers, who deceive victims into granting access to their smartphones through screen-sharing apps.

Scam Process:

The scam begins with a seemingly innocuous request, often via phone call, message, or online interaction. The perpetrator poses as a trusted authority figure, convincing the victim that a screen-sharing or remote access tool is necessary to resolve an issue or provide assistance.

According to Prof. Triveni Singh, a renowned cybersecurity expert and former IPS officer, “the scammer creates a sense of urgency and exploits the victim’s trust, often claiming that the transaction is a ‘verification’ or that the offer will expire soon.” This induces the victim into making a hasty decision, ultimately resulting in the execution of a financial transaction.

Consequences:

Experts warn that recovering money in such cases is challenging, if not impossible. Since the transaction was authorized by the victim themselves, using their UPI PIN and OTP, banks often classify it as an “authorized payment.” This classification makes recovery or refund uncertain, relying on various technical and legal factors.

Prevention:

Cybersecurity experts have described this scam as a prime example of psychological manipulation, rather than a sophisticated technical attack. To protect oneself from such scams, experts recommend avoiding the use of screen-sharing or remote access apps for banking or UPI-related activities. Legitimate institutions will never ask for full screen access to complete transactions. If such an app is installed inadvertently, it should be removed promptly, and banking passwords and security settings should be updated without delay.

Conclusion:

Awareness, caution, and informed decision-making remain the strongest defenses against evolving digital frauds. It is essential to stay vigilant and cautious when dealing with suspicious requests or interactions, especially those related to financial transactions.