What you need to know
- Google is reportedly developing deeper fixes for scam calls by moving Verified Caller protection into Android itself.
- The big change is that you no longer need the Google Phone app to get this extra layer of security.
- Android will soon be able to screen calls from Do-Not-Originate numbers, which scammers often spoof to appear legitimate.
Google is making another effort to clean up your incoming calls, this time targeting one of Android’s most frustrating problems: unknown callers pretending to be legitimate.
Most of us have probably received a call from a number that looked real, like a bank’s customer service line, only to find out that it was a scammer trying to steal money. Carriers have tried to stop this for years, but now Google is working on a new system-level defense that could finally give you more control.
Until now, Google’s Verified Calls feature was the primary way to prevent these attacks, but you Google Phone app to access it. This is about to change.
Article continues below
Android Authority It found signs of a new “Verified Caller” system built directly into Android via Google Play Services. This is important because you won’t have to rely on a special dialer for protection. Security will be built into the operating system itself.
DNO gap closure
Fraudsters often use non-originating (DNO) numbers as a technical loophole. These are official phone numbers for banks or government agencies designed to receive calls only. They never make outbound calls to customers.
Scammers spoof these numbers because they look legitimate when they appear on your phone.
Image 1 of 2
With this potential feature, your phone will get extra protection. Instead of depending on your carrier, Android will check incoming calls against a list of DNO numbers. If the call claims to be from an “receive only” number, the phone will detect the problem before it answers you.
This new setup gives you more flexible security. Unlike the old version, it works alongside the apps you already use. For example, if your bank has an app, it can assign specific DNO numbers to Android.
Because it was found in the code teardown Google Play Servicesthe feature is not yet available to everyone. Assuming it launches, it should quietly add a powerful layer of protection for millions of Android users.
Android Central’s Take
I think we need a comprehensive, app-integrated DNO database since carriers still can’t stop fake numbers from showing up on my phone. It’s nice that my phone is smarter, but that will only work if businesses sign up and Google is strict with verification. Otherwise, it could be another tag we don’t see when the “spam possibility” is still passed.
