Scam Protection is a feature included in the paid version of Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android. This technology automatically detects link-based mobile attacks delivered through SMS, messaging apps, notifications and alerts you to emerging scam campaigns.
Scams, fraud, and malware campaigns often spread organically within the Android user community. In some cases, unsuspecting users share harmful links believing they are helping their contacts. Other times, malicious websites send deceptive notifications, or compromised devices distribute harmful messages without the owner’s knowledge. Regardless of how these links spread, they pose a serious security risk. If you use Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android, the Web Protection module blocks phishing links as soon as you try to access them. Meanwhile, the Scam Protection module warns you that a link in a text message or notification is dangerous before you open it.
What is SMS phishing?
Phishing is a social engineering tactic that works across all platforms. Traditionally delivered via spam email, phishing campaigns use convincing messages to trick users into revealing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details. This tactic has evolved to include SMS, a method known as Smishing (SMS + phishing). These attacks often urge you to:
- Access a malicious link
- Reply with personal or financial information to claim a reward
- Call a premium-rate number
Some smishing attempts rely on scare tactics, warning that your personal data has been compromised and pressuring you to act immediately. Smishing messages are more common than many people realize, but malicious links spread through other channels as well. For example, websites frequently request permission to send notifications—a feature that can be abused. Users may receive harmful links through notifications that appear to come from the Android system itself. Additionally, malware campaigns often use SMS messages to distribute malicious payloads
Scam Protection features for Android
Chat Protection
The Chat Protection filter focuses on prevention, addressing potential threats before they escalate – including malware risks. Scam Protection monitors all incoming SMS messages and Android notifications in real time.Scam Radar
Scanned texts and notifications
Once Scam Protection is enabled, a donut chart displays the total number of scanned texts and notifications in the Scanned texts and notifications section. A legend below shows the exact number of:
Set up Scam Protection in Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android
To set up Scam Protection on Android, you need to grant the Bitdefender Mobile Security app Accessibility, Notification and SMS permissions. Follow these steps:
1. Open the Bitdefender Mobile Security app installed on your Android phone or tablet.
2. Tap the Scam Protection icon in the bottom navigation bar, then tap Turn on.
3. Tap Turn on again to allow the app to scan notifications and warn about phishing and fraud attempts.
4. In the Accessibility list, enable Bitdefender Mobile Security.
5. Choose Allow to confirm the action.
6. Return to the Scam Protection screen and tap Allow to enable SMS scanning.
7. Allow notification access for Bitdefender Security.
8. Confirm by tapping Allow.
9. Return again and allow the app to send and view SMS messages when prompted..
10. Tap Turn on in the Enable Accessibility screen.
