This WhatsApp screen sharing scam cost one woman £20,000

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In a disturbing example of how technology can be used against you, Felicity Campbell, a resident of Nottinghamshire, recently fell victim to an elaborate fraud involving WhatsApp’s screen-sharing feature. This one mistake cost her approximately £20,000.

How the scam unfolded

The incident began when Mrs. Campbell responded to a phishing email that appeared to be from TV Licensing, prompting her to enter her credit card details. Recognizing the scam, she quickly canceled her card. But just days later, the situation escalated.

She received a call from a man claiming to be from her bank, Nationwide. This caller referenced her previous phishing encounter and warned that her account might be compromised. To build trust, he provided specific details about her recent transactions and address, making the situation feel legitimate.

The scammer then requested Mrs. Campbell to continue the call via WhatsApp, claiming he needed to help her secure her accounts. It was at this point that she was persuaded to share her screen—a feature recently added to WhatsApp—allowing the scammer to view her private banking information and oversee her accounts.

Manipulation through fear

Over the next 90 minutes, the scammer guided Mrs. Campbell to transfer money between her accounts and into a Western Union account under the guise of securing her funds. He even persuaded her to take out a £25,000 loan, which he claimed was necessary to block a fraudulent loan supposedly taken out in her name. Only when Mrs. Campbell resisted making further transfers did the scammer break his polite demeanor, revealing his true intentions with abusive language.

Ultimately, the scam led to a loss of £20,000, much of which was transferred to accounts in India. Although Mrs. Campbell recovered some funds, the experience left a lasting impact.

Key lessons and precautions

1. Be skeptical of unexpected calls: If someone contacts you claiming to be from a trusted institution, verify their identity through official channels before proceeding.
2. Beware of screen sharing requests: Only use screen sharing with individuals you trust implicitly, especially for sensitive tasks like banking.
3. Pressure and urgency are red flags: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to cloud judgment. Take your time and don’t let anyone rush you into actions you’re uncomfortable with.
4. Watch out for official-sounding details: While scammers may know details like addresses or recent transactions, always confirm by calling back via official contact numbers.

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