scam calls Archives

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Your Android phone is getting a huge security upgrade for free

Google has introduced a suite of security tools for Android users to protect against various threats, including: 1. Protection against Scam Calls: Alerts users to potential scam calls and blocks harmful actions, focusing on disabling Google Play Protect, preventing sideloading of unverified apps, and restricting accessibility permissions. 2. In-call Protections for Banking Apps: A feature that warns users when they open banking apps while sharing their screen with unknown callers, starting in the UK, and automatically enabled for participating banks on devices running Android 11 or higher. 3. Improved Scam Detection in Google Messages: Enhanced scam detection capabilities that now cover a wider range of scams, including toll road, cryptocurrency, financial impersonation, gift card, and technical support scams. 4. Better Encryption for Text Messages via Key Verifier: A tool that allows users to confirm contacts' identities through public encryption keys, enhancing privacy and security. 5. Stronger Mobile Phone Theft Protection: Expanded theft protection features, including the Identity Check tool, restrictions on unauthorized factory resets, and obscured one-time passwords on the lock screen. 6. Advanced Protection for Mobile Devices: An Advanced Protection Program offering cryptographic verification for all login operations, available on devices running Android 16. 7. Improvements to Google Play Protect: Upgrades to identify malicious apps before installation and live threat detection to alert users of suspicious app behavior. 8. Enhancing Overall Android Security: Ongoing commitment to improve Android security through regular updates and new tools to protect users from evolving cyber threats.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Google Phone app could soon let you rat out that scam call (APK teardown)

The Google Phone app has introduced a feature that allows users to report calls as spam or scam, which effectively blocks unwanted communications. Users can long-press on a call log entry to access options for blocking or reporting, sending information directly to Google. An upcoming update will enhance this reporting process by allowing users to provide additional details when reporting a scam, including specific questions about the nature of the scam and what the scammer pretended to be. The Google Contacts app will also receive an upgrade with a new Lookup button for numbers not saved in the user's contact list, previously exclusive to the Phone app.

AppWizard

November 16, 2024

Real-time Scam Detection is rolling out now in Google Phone app beta

The Scam Detection feature, powered by artificial intelligence, is now available for beta testers of the Google Phone app in the U.S. for Pixel 6 and newer models. Users must manually enable this feature, which is off by default, through the app's settings. It continuously monitors incoming calls for potential scams and alerts users if a call is suspected to be a scam. The feature does not screen calls from saved contacts, and call content is not recorded or stored. If a call is identified as likely a scam, users receive a notification and can choose to continue or end the call. Google is collecting feedback from beta testers for future updates.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Android is getting call scam detection, real-time app threat alerts

Google is enhancing the safety and security of its Android platform, particularly with the introduction of new features aimed at combating scam calls and malicious applications. These features will first be available on Pixel smartphones before being extended to other Android devices. Key enhancements include: 1. Real-Time Threat Detection: Google Play Protect now offers live threat detection, providing real-time alerts for potentially harmful applications by analyzing their behavior. This feature will initially focus on apps displaying stalking behavior and will expand to cover various harmful applications in the future. 2. Scam Call Detection: A new on-device feature uses artificial intelligence to identify suspicious phone calls, such as those requesting money or code transfers. This feature is currently being tested in the U.S. and requires users to opt-in, as it is off by default. 3. Messages App Scam Detection: Google has also improved scam detection for its Messages app, targeting fraudulent schemes and package delivery scams. The AI for call scam detection is powered by the Gemini Nano model and will initially operate on Pixel 9 series devices, with plans to extend support to the Pixel 6 series and subsequent models.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Pixel phones will be able to detect and report malicious apps in real time

Google is enhancing its defenses against malware with a new feature called live threat detection, which actively monitors app behavior on devices to identify potentially harmful applications. This updated Google Play Protect service is available for Pixel 6 and newer models, with plans to extend to non-Pixel Android devices from manufacturers like Lenovo, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo. Live threat detection continuously evaluates app behavior post-installation, identifying dormant malware that may later engage in harmful activities. It uses the Private Compute Core for secure user data handling and provides real-time alerts for detected threats. Additionally, Google is introducing a scam call detection feature that uses on-device artificial intelligence to analyze incoming calls for potential scams. This feature is currently available to participants in the Phone by Google app’s beta program for Pixel 6 and later devices, with plans for broader rollout in the future.