NordVPN takes on phone scammers with new call protection feature for the UK and Canada

• NordVPN's call protection is now available on Android in the UK and Canada
• The tool identifies potential scam calls and warns the user before they answer
• NordVPN is set to expand support to iPhones, while adding extra features

In a significant expansion of its security features, NordVPN has launched its call protection tool for Android users in the UK and Canada.

The move keeps extending the provider's security umbrella beyond internet browsing and directly into the fight against the growing epidemic of phone scams, making it a more comprehensive choice for users looking for the best VPN that also protects against wider threats.

First introduced to users in the US in July, NordVPN's call protection aims to give people a crucial early warning. It works by identifying suspicious numbers and alerting the recipient of a potential scam attempt before they even pick up the phone.

This pre-emptive warning gives the user vital context, making them less likely to fall for the social engineering tactics that can lead to devastating financial loss or identity theft.

With the new release, the company has also rebranded the feature from "scam call protection" to the more encompassing "call protection." This reflects a broader ambition to move beyond simple scam detection and provide users with more detailed information about who is calling.

A global solution to a global problem

The expansion comes at a critical time, as phone-based fraud continues to inflict staggering financial damage on a global scale.

According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), UK residents lost an estimated £11 billion to scams in 2024, with phone calls accounting for a massive 60% of these schemes. The situation is similarly dire in Canada, where the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that citizens have already lost C$544 million this year, fast approaching the C$645 million total for all of 2024.

It's in this context that NordVPN's call protection is designed to be a powerful tool in a user's security arsenal, while reinforcing NordVPN's ongoing commitment to comprehensive digital safety − something that echoes recent AV-Comparatives certification for its Threat Protection Pro feature.

"Scam calls are a global problem that requires a global solution," said Domininkas Virbickas, product director at NordVPN. "By expanding call protection to the UK and Canada, we're taking another step toward our goal of making phone communication safer and more transparent for users worldwide."

Privacy-first protection and future plans

One of the key aspects of the call protection feature is its privacy-first design.

NordVPN emphasizes that the tool works by analyzing call patterns and metadata to identify potential scams, without ever accessing or listening to the content of the conversations themselves. Most importantly, does not require an active VPN connection to work.

Setting up the feature is a simple process within the NordVPN Android app. Users navigate to the "Threat Protection" tab and toggle the feature on, after which the app guides them through the necessary Android permission updates. Once enabled, it provides real-time alerts without any further user input.

The expansion to the UK and Canada is just the next step in a broader roadmap. NordVPN has confirmed it plans to launch call protection for iPhone users and roll it out in more countries.

Further enhancements are also in the pipeline, including a more advanced caller ID system for legitimate businesses, like healthcare providers and financial institutions, and a user reporting system that will allow people to flag suspicious numbers, helping to strengthen the scam database for the entire community.

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