Lately, there’s been a rise in scams where fraudsters pose as officials from government agencies such as Dukcapil, BPJS, the Tax Office, Taspen, or other institutions. Victims are contacted directly and instructed to install an application via a link they’re given.
When clicked, this link leads to a page designed to look like the official Google Play Store. But before installation, the scammer convinces the victim to disable the Play Protect feature on their device.
Why? Because disabling Play Protect gives scammers the perfect window to sneak malware onto the victim’s phone—disguised as an official-looking app from a legitimate institution.
So, what exactly is Google Play Protect, and why do scammers work so hard to get you to turn it off? Let’s break it down.
What is Google Play Protect and Why is it Important?
Google Play Protect is a built-in security feature on Android devices designed to:
- Scan and verify apps from the Google Play Store before you download them.
- Detect harmful apps from unknown or third-party sources.
- Warn you about suspicious apps that may attempt to access your personal data without permission.
- Block unverified apps that request sensitive device permissions—permissions often targeted by scammers for financial fraud.
Disabling Play Protect removes this critical safety net, leaving your device wide open to malware infections and data theft.
The Risks of Disabling Google Play Protect
- Higher Risk of Malware Infections
Without Play Protect, malicious apps containing viruses, spyware, or other harmful software can easily slip onto your device—potentially stealing your data or damaging your system. - Exposure to Unsafe Apps from Unofficial Sources
Play Protect alerts you if an app isn’t safe. With it turned off, you won’t get warnings about suspicious downloads from outside the Play Store. - Potential Data Theft
Some malicious apps are built to steal sensitive information—such as login credentials, credit card details, or any personal data stored on your device. Play Protect helps detect and block these threats. - No Security Updates
Play Protect also ensures that installed apps receive security patches. Without it, outdated apps become vulnerable to exploitation.
Protect Yourself — Keep Play Protect On
Turning off Google Play Protect may seem harmless, but it strips away one of the most important defenses your Android device has. Always keep it enabled to safeguard your device, your data, and your financial security.
Stay vigilant, and use every security feature available to you—because preventing malware is always easier than fixing the damage it causes.
Want to learn more about spotting and avoiding scams? Visit www.bca.co.id/awasmodus.