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Android Shields You From Bank Scammers
12 May
Summary
- Android's new feature detects and disconnects calls from spoofed bank numbers.
- The feature requires a bank's app to verify incoming calls as legitimate.
- This new security tool will be gradually rolled out starting with Brazilian banks.
Android devices are gaining a new security feature designed to protect users from sophisticated banking scams. This tool works by detecting calls that use spoofed numbers, a common tactic used by scammers to impersonate trusted financial institutions.
To utilize this protection, users must have their bank's official app installed. When a call appears to be from the bank, Android will query the app to verify its legitimacy. If the app indicates the call is not from the bank, Android will automatically disconnect it. Some banks may also designate specific numbers as inbound-only, ensuring any spoofed calls from these lines are terminated.
This initiative is rolling out to devices running Android 11 or higher. Initially, it will support Brazilian banks like Revolut, Itaú, and Nubank, with plans to expand to more financial institutions later in 2026. This feature represents a significant step in enhancing user security against evolving fraud tactics.
Beyond call spoofing, Android is enhancing other security measures. These include improved protection against OTP interception and a bolstered Live Threat Detection feature that uses on-device AI to identify suspicious app behavior. Advanced Protection is also being updated to warn about apps that hide their icons and to restrict accessibility service access for non-essential apps.
