Google expands Android scam protection to stop fraud during calls

Google is rolling out enhanced in-call scam protections on Android, designed to alert users when they open financial apps during calls with unknown contacts, providing a 30-second safety buffer to prevent fraud and screen-sharing scams.

Google has unveiled a major update to Android’s in-call scam protection, aiming to help users avoid fraud during phone conversations involving financial apps. The feature activates when a user is on a call with an unsaved number and simultaneously opens a supported banking or payment app, triggering a prominent warning on the screen. Users can immediately end the call or block screen sharing with a single tap, preventing potential financial loss.

How the feature works

The protection, available on devices running Android 11 and above, introduces a 30-second pause if users choose to proceed despite the warning. This delay is intentional, giving users a moment to reconsider under the pressure tactics commonly employed by scammers. Google emphasises that the feature targets common fraud patterns where attackers pose as banks or service providers to coerce users into sharing sensitive information or authorising payments.

Pilot programs and regional rollout

India is a key testing ground for the expanded protection, with Google collaborating with financial apps including Google Pay, Navi, and PayTM. The company said the system alerts users when they attempt to screen-share during calls with unknown contacts, allowing one-tap call termination and preventing potential scams. Similar pilots in the UK have already helped thousands of users avoid costly fraud. Following successful tests in the UK and Brazil, Google is broadening the feature to more apps and regions.

Importance for everyday users

For users handling financial transactions or receiving calls from unknown numbers, this update adds a critical layer of security. Scam tactics increasingly rely on impersonation rather than hacking, and timely alerts could prevent significant financial loss. Google notes that Android users already experience fewer successful scams compared to iPhone users, and the expanded protections are expected to strengthen that advantage further.

The new safeguards will gradually reach Android 11+ devices worldwide as Google continues to enhance in-call security, offering users a real-time defense against evolving phone-based scams.