Google Pay Users Alert: Fraudsters Can Use Your Screen Sharing Apps To Conduct Financial Fraud: Check How

There is a new safety update for Google pay users. Gpay is one of the top five most-used UPI apps in India when it comes to market share. Most Indians today use Google Pay as their payment app while doing digital transactions. The tech giant Google claims to use the best of Google's Artificial Intelligence (AI) and fraud identification technology to detect suspicious transactions in real-time.

Now, keeping safety concerns in mind, Google has shared an important update for Google Pay users on its website.
The update says, "To continue to use Google Pay, close all screen-sharing apps." Gpay users are advised to never use screen-sharing apps while making a financial transaction.

About screen-sharing apps:

Screen-sharing apps are those that allow other people to clearly view what is there on your device's screen, whether you are using a phone, tablet, or computer. These apps were originally used to fix issues on a phone remotely. They allow full access and control of your phone/device. Examples of screen-sharing apps include Screen Share, AnyDesk, and TeamViewer.

The primary reason to avoid using screen-sharing apps is to stop fraudulent third parties from accessing your data. Scammers usually exploit these apps to get unauthorized access to your phone to initiate transactions on your behalf.

Why you should not use screen sharing apps with Google Pay?

Some reasons mentioned in the Google Pay Help section of the company's website include:

• Fraudsters can use screen sharing apps to:
• Control your phone to make transactions on your behalf.
• View your ATM or debit card details.
• View the OTP sent to your phone and use it to transfer money from your account.

The company has mentioned that Google Pay never asks you to download or install a third-party app for any reason. However, if you downloaded these apps, before you use Google Pay, you should ensure that they are closed.

The tech major warned, "If someone posed as a Google Pay representative and instructed you to download these apps, uninstall and delete them immediately." The company has also stressed, "You can also report this issue to Google Pay."

How To Close Apps Displaying Over Your Screen?

You might see the error "Close any app that is displaying over your screen and retry."

For security purposes, users can't use Google Pay to make transactions or manage cards and bank accounts while another application draws over the screen. These apps are restricted as they may be able to alter the appearance of the screen or capture your payment credentials.

To avoid apps that display over the Google Pay app:

• On your device, go to Settings.
• Select Apps and Notifications Special App Access Display over other apps.
• Turn off permission for apps to display over other apps.
• Exit any screen recording apps and screen filter apps.
• Restart your device and try your transaction again via Google Pay.

Tip: Depending on the manufacturer of your phone, these steps may vary. For example, on Samsung devices, you can find the apps that have this permission under Apps Special access (in overflow menu) Appear on top.