On Tuesday, at The Android Show: I/O Edition, Google introduced new security features to prevent users from falling victim to phone call scams as part of the Android 16 release. These capabilities aim to block actions that scammers often exploit during calls, particularly when users are tricked into giving access to their devices or apps.
Blocking sensitive actions during calls
Phones running Android 16 will now restrict certain actions when a user is on a call with someone not in their contacts. This includes blocking first-time sideloading of apps via browsers, messaging apps, or file-sharing services during the call.
It also prevents users from granting accessibility permissions to apps during such calls. If a user tries to perform these actions, Android will show a warning: “This setting is blocked to protect your device.” The idea is to stop scammers from convincing people to hand over control of their phones mid-conversation.
Warning users while screen sharing with banking apps
Google is also testing a feature in the UK that stops users from opening certain banking apps, like Monzo, NatWest, and Revolut, while screen sharing during a call. If a user tries to access one of these apps, Android displays a warning about a “likely scam” and gives the option to either end the call immediately or wait 30 seconds before proceeding. It’s a direct way to counter screen-sharing scams that try to extract banking details. While it can be a bit of an inconvenience at times, this feature is designed to protect the majority of Android users from calling scams.
AI-based scam detection on calls
Google is extending its on-device AI scam detection, too. This feature analyses call conversations in real time (without recording or storing them) to look for red flags like requests for money transfers or personal information. If anything suspicious is picked up, the phone alerts the user with audio, haptic, and on-screen warnings, suggesting they end the call.
Smarter scam detection in messages
The Messages app is getting a similar security upgrade. Using on-device AI, it can now flag and warn users about possible scam messages across SMS, MMS, and RCS. The detection works by default in chats with unknown numbers, and users can choose to ignore, report, or block the sender. Again, everything runs locally on the device to ensure privacy.
While these features add a new layer of protection, there are some privacy concerns. Some experts have pointed out that features like real-time call analysis could open the door to overreach. However, Google says the data never leaves the device, and users can turn off the features if they want.
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With these updates, Google is taking a more active role in protecting Android users against scams, especially those that rely on real-time manipulation during calls.
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