What you need to know
- Google is adding new in-call scam protection tools to Android for users in the United States.
- Android now warns users when they share screens with unknown numbers during financial app calls.
- A 30-second alert aims to break scammer manipulation and prevent sharing sensitive banking details.
In a proactive move against the ever-evolving tactics of scammers, Google has unveiled a suite of new safety features designed to bolster security for Android users in the United States. As outlined in a recent blog post, the tech giant acknowledges that while it continues to enhance the security landscape of Android, the methods employed by fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
The latest addition is an in-call protection feature specifically tailored for financial applications. This innovative tool activates whenever users engage in a call while sharing their screens with an unfamiliar phone number. In such instances, Android will automatically pause the call and issue a warning about potential risks, empowering users to make informed decisions.
To further clarify the situation, Android introduces a comprehensive 30-second alert before allowing users to proceed with the call. This measure is designed to disrupt the manipulative tactics often employed by scammers, effectively breaking their spell and reducing the likelihood of users inadvertently divulging sensitive banking information.
Having already rolled out this feature in countries such as the UK, India, and Brazil, Google is now extending its protective measures to the U.S. This enhancement will apply not only to calls involving banking applications like JPMorgan Chase but also to peer-to-peer (P2P) payment platforms such as Cash App.
Google reports that this feature has already proven beneficial for thousands of users, and the company remains optimistic about its impact as it continues to expand its reach into additional markets.
