Google is rolling out new safety features for Android to help stop phone call scams.
Android will now block users from sideloading apps (installing apps from outside the Play Store) if they’re on a call with someone they don’t know.
Scammers often trick people into downloading harmful apps during phone calls. To stop this, Android will also block users from giving apps special permissions, like accessibility access, while they’re on a call. If someone tries to change these settings, they’ll see a warning saying: “This setting is blocked to protect your device.”
Google has already stopped users from turning off Play Protect (its app security system) during calls. All these protections work completely on the device — meaning no internet or cloud service is needed.
There’s also a new pilot program in the UK to stop screen-sharing scams. If a user tries to open a banking app while sharing their screen during a call, Android will show a warning that says “likely scam.” The alert gives users the option to hang up the call or wait 30 seconds before they can continue. This is starting with banks like Monzo, NatWest, and Revolut, and works on Android 11 and newer.
