Google is rolling out a major security upgrade for Android users, adding a new in-call scam detection feature that warns you when someone on the phone attempts to access your financial apps. The feature is part of an expanded pilot program, currently making it available to more individuals, following initial testing in the UK.
The system is simple but intelligent. When you are on a call, sharing your screen, and you open a financial app like your banking app, Android will check if the caller is in your contacts. Otherwise, your phone will display a warning that the call may be a scam and that the other person could be trying to access your financial information.
Google explained the upgrade in a new security blog post, stating that it builds on recent protection tools such as the Circle to Search scam checker.
How the new warning breaks scam attempts
According to Google, scammers use pressure and fear to trick people. Your phone will delay for 30 seconds before proceeding after the warning. These seconds are intended to interrupt the urgency that scammers commonly create to give you time to think clearly and stop before sharing sensitive information.
The feature, first launched in the UK, has already helped “thousands of users end calls that could have cost them a significant amount of money,” according to Google.
Even with this protection, users must remain vigilant. The system can alert you only, and it is up to you to take care not to share banking details with unknown callers.
Along with expanding the pilot to more Android users worldwide, Google says it will soon apply the protection to more financial apps, including peer-to-peer services, such as PayPal and Venmo.
Discover more from WikiTechLibrary
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
