Got a dodgy call from your ‘bank’? Google’s latest tool could save you

If you’ve ever picked up the phone and heard someone say they’re from your bank — then asked you to share your screen — you’ve probably felt that sinking feeling. Unfortunately, you are not alone. Scams involving banks are on the rise, and they only get more convincing.

Google is now working on a feature to detect these scams and stop them before they cause real harm. Google is working on a new smart tool that can warn you when a call may be an attempt to drain your bank account.

It’s not live for everyone just yet, but the feature — currently in beta testing — has already appeared on Google Pixel phones, and is expected to roll out more widely with the next Android update. It’s like a scam filter built into your phone that flags suspicious calls while you are on the line.

Google’s scam detection tool can protect your bank details

How does it detect a scam? All about patterns. It looks at two things in particular:

• You’re on the phone with a contact that’s not saved in your contacts
• You can open your banking application while you are on the phone.

Google is there to help. You will receive a pop-up warning that the call could be a scam. This gives you the option to either hang up the phone or report it. It’s an easy idea that could stop many people from revealing sensitive information.

According to Tech Site Android AuthorityThe feature is called BankScamCallDetectionServiceGoogle Play Services 25.18.31 already includes this feature. It’s possible that you already have the app if you own a Google Pixel.

There’s also talk of more safety tools being added — like quick-access buttons to end the call, or block and report the number. There are no complicated menus or guesswork.

Spanish banking app users are targeted by screen-sharing scams

The scams haven’t changed much, but they are evolving fast. Fraudsters pose as helpful, polite bank staff. They claim that your account has been compromised. They tell you to open your banking app — and then ask to share your screen “just to confirm a few things”. This is when they are watching you.

They can access your account, PIN and even more before you realize it.

The scams are not limited to phone calls. WhatsApp is flooded with scam links, emails that pretend to be Gmail alerts and even games such as Fortnite that target children.

Google’s new tool isn’t a magic fix — but it’s a smart step. It adds an extra layer of security for users by linking your phone activity to the apps you use. This is especially useful for those who are less tech-savvy or elderly.

And let’s be honest — even the most switched-on among us can get caught off guard when the timing and tone feel “just right”.

Google’s new scam warning feature is coming to Android devices

You may already have it if you own a Google Pixel. This feature is expected to be officially rolled out with Android 16 for everyone else. By the end of 2015 or early 2016, most Android users will have this feature on their phone automatically.

In the meantime, the usual advice still stands: don’t share your screen with anyone on a call, don’t trust unknown numbers — even if they say they’re from your bank — and always hang up and call your bank back directly if something feels off.

As scams become more sophisticated, it is reassuring that the technology we use every day has also improved.

More news on Technology will be posted soon.