Great news for Android users! Stop scam SMS instantly—here’s how.

Android Tips: There are several reasons why you might receive constant spam or scam SMS messages on your phone. One possibility is that you entered your mobile number on an untrustworthy website.

Android Tips: Technology has advanced significantly these days, and cybercriminals are using new techniques to defraud people. They often attempt to steal personal information by posing as banks or using lures like KYC updates and prize winnings. Users often struggle to distinguish between genuine and fake messages.

If you are also receiving suspicious messages from unknown numbers on your Android phone, here is a method to help you block scam SMS messages.

Why do scam messages occur?

There are various reasons for receiving constant spam or scam SMS messages. You might have entered your mobile number on a dubious website. Sometimes, data breaches expose your personal information to cybercriminals. Additionally, if your mobile number is available on public platforms, the likelihood of receiving such messages increases.

What is the Message Protection feature?

For your information, NordVPN has added a 'Message Protection' feature to its Android app. This feature scans incoming SMS messages and immediately warns the user if a message appears fraudulent.

The system checks links, suspicious wording, and sender details within the message. If a link is flagged as dangerous or the sender's number has a suspicious history, the app issues an alert. The goal is to warn the user beforehand so they can avoid clicking on malicious links.

How to activate it

Please note that this feature does not activate automatically. If you have a supported NordVPN plan, you must enable it manually.

Follow these steps:

Open the NordVPN app. Go to the 'Products' section listed below.
Search for the 'Message Protection' option there.
Turn on the toggle switch next to it.
You can also activate the 'Call Protection' feature if you wish.
Monitoring of incoming SMS messages will begin after this.

What does this feature do when it detects a scam?

If a message is found to be suspicious, the app does not automatically delete it or immediately block the number. Instead, it displays a warning message on the screen indicating that the message could be fraudulent. The decision then rests entirely with the user—whether to delete the message, block the sender, or ignore it. The advantage of this system is that it minimizes the risk of accidentally deleting an important message.

Which users can access this feature?

It is worth noting that there are some limitations to this feature. For instance, the service is not free; to use it, you need a NordVPN paid plan that includes Call and Message Protection. Additionally, this feature is currently available only to Android users; iPhone users cannot use it at this time. Furthermore, it works only with standard SMS messages and does not scan messages received on WhatsApp, Telegram, or other messaging apps.

You can stay safe without spending money.

If you do not wish to use a paid service, there are still several options available for Android phones. Most Android smartphones come with the Google Messages app, which includes features like Spam Protection and Scam Protection.

Steps to enable it:

Open the Google Messages app.
Tap on the profile icon at the top.
Go to 'Messages settings'.
Select the 'Protection & Safety' option.
Turn on 'Spam protection'.