Google‘s New Anti-Scam Feature Targets Screen-Sharing Fraud
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Archnetys.com – May 7, 2025
Google is developing a new feature to combat the rising tide of scams that exploit screen-sharing during phone calls, particularly those targeting bank account holders. This initiative aims to protect users from fraudulent schemes that have become increasingly sophisticated.
The Growing Threat of Digital Scams
Spain, like manny other countries, has seen a surge in digital scams. These range from malware distributed via WhatsApp to fraudulent schemes targeting minors in online games like Fortnite.cybercriminals are also exploiting vulnerabilities in Gmail to steal personal data. According to recent reports from the Spanish National Police, financial fraud has increased by 40% in the last year alone, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures.
Google’s Enhanced Scam Detection: A Proactive Approach
Building on its existing efforts to identify misleading SMS messages and suspicious calls, Google is now focusing on scams that involve screen sharing. This new feature is designed to detect and alert users to potential fraud attempts during phone calls, specifically those where scammers impersonate bank representatives.
The core functionality revolves around identifying calls from unknown numbers, particularly when a banking submission is open and screen sharing is active.This combination of factors triggers a warning, alerting the user to the potential risk.
How the New Feature Works
The system is designed to be proactive. Here’s a breakdown of how it functions:
- Unregistered Number Detection: The feature activates when a call originates from a number not saved in the user’s contact list.
- Banking App Activity: The system monitors whether a banking application is open in the foreground during the call.
- Screen Sharing Detection: The system detects if screen sharing is activated during the call.
- Alert Trigger: When all three conditions are met, Google issues a warning, indicating a potential scam.
Moreover, the system is expected to offer options to terminate the call or flag the number as fraudulent, providing users with immediate control over the situation.
It is enough that a app bank is open during a call with a new number and the shared screen is activated to generate an alert.
Android Authority
Availability and Future Rollout
The feature, identified as ‘Bankscamcalldetecccionservice’ in the beta version of Google Play services (25.18.31), is currently available on Pixel devices. While a wider release is anticipated with the launch of Android 16,a specific timeline for broader availability remains unconfirmed. This phased rollout allows Google to refine the feature based on real-world usage and feedback.
The Broader context: Google’s Commitment to Security
This new anti-scam feature is part of Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user security and combating online fraud. as scams become more sophisticated, proactive measures like this are crucial in protecting individuals from financial loss and identity theft. Google’s continued investment in security technologies demonstrates its dedication to creating a safer online environment for its users.