Santander Launches Mobile App Privacy Feature to Safeguard Users from Screen Sharing Fraud by Scammers
In an effort to proactively address the rising issue of fraud, particularly screen sharing scams, Santander has updated its OneApp banking app with screen sharing detection technology. This new feature aims to enhance the security of mobile banking transactions and protect customers from financial and personal information theft.
The technology scans for popular screen-sharing or remote access apps like AnyDesk or TeamViewer, which scammers often persuade victims to install during fraud attempts. When such a session is recognized, the app’s screen goes completely blurred, hiding personal information. Transactions and banking changes are then disabled until the screen-sharing session ends to prevent unauthorized access and payments.
Chris Ainsley, Head of Fraud Strategy at Santander UK, stated that scammers are becoming more sophisticated and can talk their way into accessing a customer's personal information. In 2024, more than £1.8 million was stolen from Santander customers in scams involving screen sharing and remote access technology. This new development by Santander catches social engineering in action, protecting customers who are often caught up in a moment of panic.
The screen sharing detection technology in the updated OneApp app blurs a customer's mobile screen to prevent banking actions during screen sharing. Scammers often contact customers via phone, email, or text/Whatsapp, providing new investment opportunities or warning of technical problems with their phone. By automatically blurring the mobile screen, Santander's system ensures that customers' personal information remains protected.
The feature initially launched for iOS 18 and is planned for Android soon, with automatic rollout through app updates. Chris Ainsley also mentioned that Santander has previously introduced a specific warning when screen sharing technology is detected on a customer's device. The updated OneApp app by Santander is a part of the bank's ongoing efforts to combat fraud and ensure customer security.
In summary, Santander's system works by detecting active screen sharing sessions on the device, immediately blurring the app screen to prevent visibility of personal and financial data, disabling transaction capabilities until the screen sharing stops, and this combination helps block fraudsters from exploiting remote access during scams. The new technology by Santander is an extension of the previous warning, aiming to provide additional protection against scammers.
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