Google tests two new Android anti-scam features, begins rollout in Singapore
The new protections block SMS and RCS messages from doubtful sources, and also make it harder for scammers to instruct users to lower their defences during scam calls. #antiscam #android #smartphone
Messaging on an Android phone. Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash.
Google will soon allow Android users to block messages from unknown international numbers on their default Messages app, and prevent the disabling of Google Play Protect during voice or video calls.
These two new additions to the Android ecosystem are intended as anti-scam features by Google, which was done in partnership with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
The decision comes from the rise in scam attempts. Text and SMS-based scams are one of the most common methods of securing victims, with at least 700 cases seen in H1 2024 in Singapore alone (PDF).
The text blocking feature allows Android users to block SMS and RCS messages from abroad. It’s under the “Protection & Safety” tab in the Messages app. This feature requires users to enable it, so don’t expect it to take effect unless you opted in.
The other feature, which prevents the disabling of Google Play Protect during calls, was implemented because of the rise of scammers convincing victims to allow “install unknown sources/app” permissions during a scam call. This gives scammers the opening they need, asking victims to install an app of the scammer’s choice, which is usually malware and not a genuine or authentic app.
These features are part of Google’s larger effort to collaborate with local authorities to create safer digital spaces. At its second Safer With Google event, which took place in Singapore two months ago, Google said it had prevented 900,000 installations of high-risk apps since stepping up anti-scam efforts.
According to Google, these Messages and Google Play Protect additions will roll out to Android devices in Singapore “in the next few months”.
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