This New Android Feature Protects You From Scam Calls While You’re Making Them.
Impersonating a banking institution is a popular scam, which I’ve written about extensively . Fraudsters prey on people’s fear, confusion, and desire to protect their money, which can entice victims to hand over login credentials, make irreversible bank transfers, or provide other sensitive information without questioning their actions.
Android users in the US will soon receive additional protection against fraud targeting their financial apps, preventing scammers posing as bank employees from accessing their device data. Google’s call fraud protection is designed to prevent users from sharing their screen with scammers and disclosing their banking information.
How does call protection work on Android?
Android’s fraud protection is triggered if you’re on a call from a number not saved in your contacts and attempt to open a participating app. You’ll see a pop-up warning that the call is likely fraudulent, a reminder not to make payments or share personal information, and a button to end the call (and stop screen sharing). Your device also includes a 30-second delay before further action, which Google says is designed to eliminate a sense of urgency.
Note that financial institutions must opt in to use this feature—for now, Google has specifically named Cash App and JPMorganChase as partners, though it indicates expansion to other popular fintech companies and banks.
Earlier this year, Google introduced call protection in its banking apps to UK users as part of a broader suite of security features announced ahead of the Google I/O conference. This launch also included real-time fraud alerts for calls and text messages, improved anti-theft protection with remote locking and identity verification, a key verifier for Google Messages, and enhanced device-level protection (in addition to account-level settings).
Along with the pilot in the US, call fraud protection will now be extended to most major UK banks, as well as financial apps in Brazil and India.