A sophisticated new WhatsApp scam is sweeping across the globe, designed to steal victims’ personal and financial information through the app’s screen-sharing feature.

The scheme, known as the “Phantom Hacker” scam, first emerged in the United States and has quickly expanded to other regions. Scammers contact users through WhatsApp, pretending to represent banks or customer support teams, and convince them to share their screen during a call. This allows the attackers to see everything displayed — including login credentials and bank details.

How the Scam Works

Victims typically receive a message or call claiming that their bank account is at risk or requires verification. Once persuaded to enable screen sharing, scammers can observe and record every action on the screen, including sensitive information such as passwords or two-factor authentication codes.

With this access, they can easily log in to the victim’s bank account and transfer funds undetected.

WhatsApp’s Response

To combat this growing threat, WhatsApp has introduced a new in-app warning system that alerts users when they attempt to share their screen with an unknown contact.
The company emphasized that scammers often pressure victims into screen sharing to trick them into revealing critical details, such as verification codes or financial data.

How to Stay Safe

Cybersecurity experts recommend the following safety measures:

Never share your screen with anyone you don’t personally trust.

Ignore messages requesting access to your bank or payment accounts.

Avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown senders.

Report and block any contact that shows signs of fraudulent behavior.

Fake Warnings from Friends

In some cases, fraudulent messages may appear to come from friends or family members whose accounts have been compromised.
These messages often sound urgent and may say something like:

“Quick warning: Don’t open the Martinelli video or WhatsApp Gold update — it’s a virus!”

Experts clarify that such messages are entirely fake. The real danger lies in forwarding them, which helps the scam spread faster among users.

The Bottom Line

Digital awareness is the best protection against modern scams. Only share your screen in trusted situations, and if you ever receive an unexpected message — no matter how convincing it looks — delete it immediately.

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