Whoscall Launches 'Web Checker' to Instantly Warn Users of Scam Websites

Gogolook, the company that created the anti-scam app “Whoscall” officially released a free new feature "Web Checker," on both Android and iOS platforms. This feature acts as a digital scam gatekeeper by instantly displaying real-time alerts when users accidentally visit scam websites, helping to prevent personal data leakage and account theft. Since its testing phase, the feature has seen a rising activation rate and received praise for its intuitive design and effectiveness. 

Starting today, users can update Whoscall to the latest version and access the "Web Checker" feature on the app's home page. The setup is easy and can be completed in 30 seconds. This feature offers both "Auto Web Checker" and “Manual Web Checker” options. 

"Auto Web Checker" provides real-time protection, covering websites visited through browsers and other apps, such as fake e-commerce ads or malicious apps connecting to high-risk websites. If there is a scam risk, Whoscall will automatically issue a warning. "Manual Web Checker" allows users to enter URLs themselves to verify them before opening unknown links, preventing the possibility of visiting scam websites. 

The Criminal Investigation Bureau emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant against evolving scam tactics. "We've partnered with Whoscall to develop new anti-scam features that leverage technology to prevent fraud. These tools are designed to help the public identify scam websites. We encourage everyone to assist elderly family members and younger friends who may be less familiar with mobile settings in using these tools, ensuring no one in the family falls victim to scams."

Phone scams become even trickier due to AI

The rise of generative AI has made scams more accessible and sophisticated. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) survey reveals that digital scams now make up 20-50% of all scam cases in many countries, becoming the dominant form.  

An international cybersecurity survey indicates that the main scam threats in the Asia-Pacific region are scams via calls and text messages (31%), fake websites (25%), phishing attacks (24%), and personal data breaches (12%). Whoscall, known for identifying unknown calls, boasts over 50% penetration in Taiwan and is dubbed the "national app." To tackle various types of scams, Whoscall has developed an AI-powered SMS filter. Additionally, the "ID Security'' feature, launched in April to check for personal data leaks, has already been used nearly a million times in Taiwan. 

Websites have become key intermediaries in scams, from social media ads misusing celebrity images to phishing links in apps and messages. To address this, Whoscall has launched its "Web Checker" feature,  mimicking the operation of its signature feature of caller identification by providing users with intuitive automated alerts. It instantly notifies users when they enter scam websites, continually safeguarding digital security. 

The "Web Checker" feature focuses on precise detection and real-time blocking. Whoscall's anti-scam website database combines AI detection with user reports and data from partners like the Criminal Investigation Bureau and ScamAdviser, forming one of the world's most comprehensive databases, containing data on tens of millions of websites. Importantly, Whoscall only assesses website risk during use and does not record any browsing content or personal data. 

Reminders:

When automatic check mode is enabled, the system will monitor websites accessed through various browsers and apps, whether they're running in the foreground or background. If a high-risk website is detected, a warning notification will appear, and the detection will be recorded in the total website checks displayed on the app's feature page.

To assess website risks quickly and securely, this feature utilizes Packet Capture technology, similar to that used by VPN services. As a result, the system may display relevant alerts and connection modes. Due to mobile device limitations, other VPN services cannot be used simultaneously when automatic check mode is active.

This feature is compatible with iOS 16 and Android 9 or later versions only.