Screen Sharing Scam Awareness Guide for Indian Citizens

What is this scam?

The Screen Sharing Scam involves fraudsters tricking victims into allowing them remote access to their devices. This is often done under the guise of tech support or financial assistance, where the scammer claims to help resolve an issue. They may contact you via phone calls, WhatsApp messages, or even through fake apps that promise to assist with various services.

Once the scammer gains access, they can view your personal information, including bank details, passwords, and other sensitive data. This scam is particularly dangerous as it exploits the victim's trust and often involves high-pressure tactics to create urgency.

Common channels for this scam include unsolicited calls from fake tech support claiming to be from well-known companies, messages on social media platforms, or even emails that appear legitimate. The goal is to convince you to install screen sharing software or provide access to your device, leading to potential financial loss.

Understanding this scam is crucial for protecting your hard-earned money. By being aware of the tactics used by scammers, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your information and finances.

60-second explainer

How it happens in real life

Ravi, a retired bank employee in Pune, received a call from someone claiming to be from a well-known tech company. The caller informed him that his computer had a virus and needed immediate attention. Feeling anxious, Ravi was convinced to download a screen sharing app to allow the caller to 'fix' the issue.

Once the scammer had access, they quickly navigated through Ravi's files, asking him to provide sensitive information like his bank account details. Ravi, trusting the caller, complied, leading to unauthorized transactions from his account. It was only after losing a significant amount of money that Ravi realized he had been scammed.

Got a suspicious call, message, or link? Do this immediately

These steps apply to almost every fraud in India — UPI scams, fake bank calls, job offers, investment tips, courier fraud, and government impersonation. Follow them before you share anything or pay anyone.

Stop — do not engage further

Hang up the call immediately — do not stay on the line out of politeness or fear.
Do not reply to the SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, or email — even to say “wrong number”.
Do not click any link, QR code, or attachment they sent.
Do not call back numbers they give you — use only official numbers from your bank card or website.
If they claim urgency (“account blocked in 2 hours”), treat that as a scam signal and pause.
Tell the caller you will verify independently and end the conversation.

Never share or allow

Never share OTP, PIN, CVV, ATM PIN, or net-banking password — not even with “bank staff” or “police”.
Never approve a UPI collect request or enter UPI PIN to “receive” a refund — receiving money never needs your PIN.
Never install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, QuickSupport, or unknown APK files they ask you to download.
Never enable screen sharing or “remote help” on your phone or laptop for an unknown caller.
Never send photos of Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or bank statements to an unsolicited contact.
Never transfer money for “verification”, “processing fee”, “customs charge”, or “KYC update”.
Never share your SIM or swap SIM at a shop because someone on the phone told you to.

Block, delete, and disconnect

Block the phone number on your dialer and on WhatsApp.
Leave and report suspicious WhatsApp / Telegram groups.
Delete any app or APK you installed because they asked — uninstall fully, not just remove icon.
Mark the email as spam/phishing and delete it after saving evidence.
Turn off “Unknown caller” callbacks and do not add them to contacts.
If you joined a video call with them, leave immediately and close the app.

Save evidence before you delete anything

Screenshot the full chat, including phone number, profile name, and date/time.
Save SMS with sender ID and message text.
If safe and legal in your state, record a short clip of a repeat call for reporting.
Note the exact time, amount (if any), UPI ID, and transaction reference number.
Save emails with headers visible; forward a copy to yourself before deleting.
Photograph QR codes or payment pages they sent — do not scan them.
Write down what they claimed (bank name, department, officer name) while memory is fresh.

Verify independently — never through them

Call your bank using the toll-free number printed on your debit/credit card or passbook.
Visit your bank branch in person if large money or KYC is mentioned.
Open your bank or UPI app manually — never via their link — and check for alerts.
Search the organisation name on its official .gov.in or .co.in website, not Google ads.
Ask a trusted family member or friend before sending money or sharing OTP.
Use our message checker if you are unsure about a text or WhatsApp forward.

Protect your accounts and devices

Change net-banking and UPI PINs from a device you trust — not one they had you install software on.
Enable transaction limits and alerts in your bank app and UPI app (Paytm, PhonePe, GPay, etc.).
If you shared OTP or logged in on a suspicious link, call the bank fraud hotline to block cards/UPI.
Run a malware scan if you installed an unknown app; consider factory reset if remote access was granted.
Turn on two-factor authentication where available; use biometrics for UPI where supported.
Check your bank SMS history for unknown debits in the last 48 hours.

Report and warn others

Call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline) if money was lost or you shared OTP/PIN.
File a report at cybercrime.gov.in — keep the acknowledgement number.
Inform your bank’s fraud desk and request account/card/UPI freeze if needed.
Warn family members — scammers often target the same household next.
Report the number to your telecom provider’s spam reporting channel (1909 for SMS spam).
Share a warning in your local community so others do not fall for the same script.

Also specific to this scam type

Do not share your OTP with anyone.
Immediately block the number contacting you.
Do not download any apps or software suggested by the caller.
Save screenshots or recordings of the conversation for evidence.
Verify the legitimacy of the call through official channels.
Inform your family members about the scam attempt.
Do not engage further with the scammer; hang up immediately.
If you have already shared information, change your passwords immediately.
Report the incident to your bank and follow their instructions.
Stay calm and do not panic; take measured steps to protect yourself.

How it works — step by step

Initial Contact
The scammer initiates contact, often through a phone call or message, claiming to be from a reputable company. They create a sense of urgency by stating that there is a critical issue with your device or account.
Building Trust
The scammer uses persuasive language and may even provide fake employee IDs or reference numbers to build trust. They may mention that they are calling to help you resolve a technical problem.
Requesting Access
Once trust is established, the scammer requests you to download a screen sharing application. They explain that this will allow them to diagnose and fix the problem remotely.
Gaining Control
After you install the screen sharing app, the scammer gains control of your device. They can now view your screen, access files, and even manipulate your device without your knowledge.
Extracting Information
The scammer may ask you to log into your bank account or other sensitive platforms while they are watching. They can capture your login credentials and other personal information.
Executing Fraudulent Transactions
With your information in hand, the scammer can initiate unauthorized transactions, transfer money, or even change your account settings, leading to significant financial loss.
Covering Tracks
After extracting the necessary information, the scammer may disconnect and leave you unaware of the full extent of the breach. They may also delete any traces of their activity.

Why this scam works

The Screen Sharing Scam succeeds due to several psychological factors. Scammers often exploit the victim's fear of technology issues, creating a sense of urgency that pressures them into compliance. When individuals believe they are dealing with a legitimate authority, they are more likely to follow instructions without questioning them.

Additionally, the scammer's ability to impersonate trusted entities fosters a false sense of security. Victims may feel embarrassed or ashamed after falling for such scams, which further discourages them from reporting the incident and seeking help.

Who is most at risk

Individuals who are less tech-savvy, such as seniors or first-time smartphone users, are often the primary targets of this scam. Scammers exploit their lack of knowledge about technology and online security, making them more vulnerable to manipulation.

What scammers say to pressure you

Sir, aapka computer infected hai.
Is problem ko jaldi solve karna hoga.
Agar aap nahi karte, toh aapka account block ho jayega.
OTP verification mandatory hai, sir.
Aapko sirf 5 minutes dena hoga.
Yeh sirf ek routine check hai, aapko tension lene ki zarurat nahi.
Agar aap nahi karte, toh aapko loss ho sakta hai.
Aapka account secure nahi hai, hum madad karenge.
Sir, yeh aapke liye free service hai.
Aapka data safe rahega, hum sirf dekh rahe hain.

Warning signs

Unsolicited calls from tech support claiming urgent issues with your device.
Requests to download screen sharing applications from unknown sources.
Pressure tactics to act quickly or risk losing access to your accounts.
Inconsistent information about the company or service being offered.
Caller ID showing a different number than the one they claim to represent.
Requests for personal information such as passwords or bank details.
Promises of refunds or prizes in exchange for access to your device.
Unprofessional language or background noise during the call.
Follow-up messages or emails that seem suspicious or poorly written.
Inability to provide verifiable information about the company or service.

Never do this

Never share your OTP with anyone.
Do not download apps from unknown sources.
Avoid giving remote access to your device.
Do not provide personal information over the phone.
Never agree to pay a 'processing fee' for any service.
Do not approve unknown UPI collect requests.
Avoid sharing your Aadhaar number with strangers.
Do not click on suspicious links in messages or emails.
Never ignore your instincts; if it feels wrong, it probably is.
Do not engage with unsolicited calls or messages.

How to verify before you trust

If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the official customer service number of the company.
Check for official communication through the company's website or app.
Do not trust caller ID; scammers can spoof numbers.
Ask for a callback number and verify it through official channels.
Look for reviews or reports about the caller online.
Check for any recent security alerts from your bank or service provider.
Verify any claims made by the caller with trusted family members or friends.
Be cautious of unsolicited messages or emails asking for personal information.
Use official apps to check for any alerts or issues with your accounts.
Do not engage further if you suspect a scam; simply block the number.

How to stay safe

Sample scam messages — do not trust these

Real frauds often arrive as SMS, WhatsApp, or calls that look official. These are typical examples — banks and government never ask for OTP, call forwarding, or remote access this way.

Phone script
"Install AnyDesk / TeamViewer quickly so we can cancel the fraudulent transaction on your screen."
SMS
Refund pending. Download QuickSupport app and share 9-digit code with our agent.

Keep your software and apps updated to the latest versions.
Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts.
Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Be cautious when sharing personal information online.
Educate yourself about common scams and fraud tactics.
Regularly monitor your bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
Use reputable antivirus software on your devices.
Be skeptical of unsolicited communications, even from known contacts.
Discuss online safety with family and friends to raise awareness.
Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media.
Trust your instincts; if something feels off, investigate further.

If you suspect a scam right now

If you suspect a scam, hang up the call immediately.
Do not download any software or apps suggested by the caller.
Change your passwords for sensitive accounts right away.
Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts if not already done.
Contact your bank to alert them about the potential breach.
Monitor your accounts for any unauthorized transactions.
Delete any suspicious apps from your device.
Inform your family and friends about the scam to raise awareness.
Report the number to your mobile service provider.
Document everything related to the scam for future reference.

Emergency recovery

Call 1930 to report the scam and seek guidance.
Visit https://cybercrime.gov.in to file a complaint.
Contact your bank immediately to report unauthorized transactions.
Change passwords for all affected accounts.
Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts.
Monitor your bank statements for any further unauthorized activity.
Notify your mobile service provider about the scam.
Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.
Document all communications related to the scam.
Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

Call 1930 · cybercrime.gov.in

Official reporting

FAQ

What should I do if I shared my screen with a scammer?: Immediately disconnect the session and change your passwords for all accounts that may have been accessed. Contact your bank to report any unauthorized transactions.
How can I tell if a call is a scam?: Be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially those requesting personal information or urging immediate action. Always verify the caller's identity through official channels.
Is it safe to download apps from unknown sources?: No, it is not safe. Always download apps from official app stores to minimize the risk of malware and scams.
Can I recover money lost in a scam?: Recovery can be challenging, but reporting the incident to your bank and authorities is crucial. They may assist in recovering lost funds.
What are some signs of a tech support scam?: Signs include unsolicited calls claiming urgent issues, requests for remote access, and pressure tactics to act quickly.
Should I report a scam attempt?: Yes, reporting helps authorities track and prevent scams. It also raises awareness among others.
How can I protect my elderly family members from scams?: Educate them about common scams, encourage skepticism towards unsolicited calls, and help them set up security measures on their devices.
What if a scammer has my personal information?: Change your passwords immediately and monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.
Are screen sharing apps safe?: Screen sharing apps can be safe if used with trusted individuals. However, avoid using them with unknown callers or unsolicited contacts.
What should I do if I feel pressured during a call?: Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, hang up and verify the call through official channels.