Truecaller Launches Scam Checker to Detect Fraudulent Messages and Links

International caller identification service provider Truecaller has announced plans to extend its security services beyond its mobile app and into the open web. To combat cyber fraud spread through messaging platforms and web links, the company has launched a new web and Android service called Scam Checker.

The key feature of the service is that anyone can check the authenticity of suspicious phone numbers, messages or website links without installing an app or signing in.

The free service has initially been launched in India, with plans to roll it out soon across Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.

How It Works and Fraud Detection Technology

Moving beyond voice calls, scammers are increasingly using WhatsApp and text messages to lure victims with links to fraudulent websites.

Truecaller CEO Rishit Jhunjhunwala said people typically turn to web searches when they encounter suspicious messages. With the new service, users can submit a link for analysis. The system examines redirects and cross-checks the information against its own database and Truecaller’s community-driven Scamfeed to display warnings.

According to the company, more than 1,300 new fraud reports are added to the Truecaller community every week in India alone.

Business Pressures and a New Strategy

The Swedish company is expanding its technology beyond caller identification amid growing business competition and regulatory pressure in its largest market, India.

Despite having more than 350 million users in India, Truecaller faces challenges to its core business from Google’s and Apple’s built-in spam filters, as well as the Indian government’s new Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) system.

Additionally, government directives requiring spam reports to be shared with telecom operators have encouraged Truecaller to reduce its reliance on caller identification and reposition itself as a broader fraud-prevention service.

//DBTech/BMT/OR//