Google Adds New Android Warning To Stop Banking Scams During Phone Calls: How It Works

Google is rolling out a new safety feature on Android that aims to stop phone-based scams at the moment they usually cause the most damage. The update shows a warning when a user opens a banking or payment app during a call from an unknown number. This is the exact situation scammers often rely on to trick people into sending money. Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Leaks Surface With Early Design, One UI 8.5 Details

Most phone scams work in a similar way. Someone calls claiming to be from customer support, says there’s an urgent issue with your account, and then tries to convince you to open a payment app or turn on screen sharing. Google’s latest protection is designed to interrupt that process before any money is transferred. Also Read: Apple, Google, Samsung Push Back Against Mandatory Location Tracking In India

How the New Scam Protection Works

The feature activates when two conditions are met at the same time. First, the user must be on a phone call with a number that is not saved in their contacts. Second, the user opens a supported financial app during that call. When this happens, Android displays a warning message stating that the situation could be risky. Also Read: Always-On Phone Tracking? Apple, Google, Samsung Raises Red Flags

The alert gives users simple, quick options. They can end the call immediately or block screen sharing with a single tap. If the user decides to move ahead despite the warning, Android adds a brief 30-second wait before any action can continue. Google says this pause is intentional and meant to give users time to reconsider instead of acting under pressure.

Available on Android 11 and Above

The protection works on phones running Android 11 or newer. Google has confirmed that the feature is already rolling out in India, where phone-based financial scams are widespread. The company is working closely with apps like Google Pay, Paytm, and Navi during the rollout.

In a blog post, Google said the feature shows a prominent alert if users open these apps while screen sharing on a call with an unknown contact. The goal is to stop scams that rely on real-time manipulation rather than technical hacking.

Expansion to More Regions and Apps

According to Google, similar protections tested earlier in the UK delivered strong results. The company claims thousands of users were able to end suspicious calls before losing money. Following those results, Google has expanded the feature to cover most major UK banks and has begun pilot programs in countries like India and Brazil.

Why This Matters

Many financial scams succeed not because users lack awareness, but because they are rushed or misled during a live phone call. This new alert system places a visible warning directly where it matters most. For people who often get calls from unknown numbers or use banking apps regularly, this feature adds a useful layer of protection. As Google brings it to more apps and regions, the warning may help reduce the chances of falling for real-time scam attempts.