HangUp: Your Shield Against Scam Calls

NordVPN, a company primarily known for its virtual private network services, has launched a new Android application called HangUp. This app functions as a call screener, identifying and flagging potential scam, spam, or telemarketing calls before the user answers.

The HangUp app is available for free to all users and does not require a paid NordVPN subscription. It integrates call protection technology from Hiya, a company specializing in spam and fraud call detection. Additionally, HangUp includes NordVPN's Message Protection feature, which scans incoming text messages for scams and malicious content.

Scam calls represent a significant global issue, with billions of dollars lost annually. A NordVPN survey indicated that nearly 80% of Americans received at least one scam call last year, and a Hiya report found that 30 million people lost an average of $682 each to phone scams in the past year.

HangUp works by checking incoming numbers against Hiya's caller reputation data. Users can block categories of calls, such as all telemarketers, though not individual numbers. NordVPN states that the app will not record calls or store message content, ensuring user privacy. However, the company advises that HangUp is an informational tool and users should not rely on it exclusively, remaining responsible for their own call and text management.