Your Android Phone Will Soon Warn You About Fake Bank Calls

If you use an Android phone, we have an important update for you. To protect Android users from scammers and fake calls, Google is reportedly planning to introduce a new feature that could help smartphones users avoid spoofed calls. These are calls where scammers make it look like they are calling from trusted numbers such as banks or official helplines.Most users in India have faced this at some point. You see a familiar number on your screen, pick up the call and realise it is a fraud attempt. Despite efforts from telecom operators, these scam calls continue to slip through.Now, a new report from Android Authority says that the Alphabet-owned company is be working on a new 'Verified caller' feature is being developed as part of Google Play

Services. It is important because it means the protection may not be limited to a specific calling app."One of the most powerful tools in a scammer’s arsenal is the ability to spoof the number they’re calling from, making it look like they’re someone legitimate. And despite the rise of systems like STIR/SHAKEN to resist spoofing (originally deployed as a response to robocallers), people are still being tricked," Android Authority said in its report. "An in-development 'Verified caller' system in Android could help make that sort of deception even more difficult," the report added.Until now, Android users had access to a feature called Verified Calls but it only worked if you were using Google’s Phone app. The new system will bring similar protection directly into Android.Can’t Tell Which SIM Is Ringing? Android May Finally Let You Set Different Ringtones

This means now people using phones from Vivo, Oppo, Samsung, Realme, OnePlus and other companies will get the access to this feature.The report says that okey focus of this update is tackling misuse of DNO (Do-Not-Originate) numbers. These are official numbers used by banks or government agencies that are only meant to receive calls not make them. Scammers often misuse these numbers to appear genuine. With the upcoming feature, Android could check incoming calls against a database of such numbers. If a call claims to come from a number that should not be making outgoing calls, the phone may flag it before you even answer.The system is also expected to work with apps already installed on your phone. For example, if you have your bank’s app, it can give Android the specific DNO numbers to watch for. Once rolled out, this safety feature can now save millions of Android users from rising telephone scams.