Picture this: you’re on a call with someone claiming to be from your bank, urgently asking you to download an app or tweak some settings on your phone. Your gut says something’s off, but the pressure’s on. Scammers thrive in these moments, exploiting trust and distraction to slip malicious apps onto your device or trick you into handing over sensitive information. Google’s latest Android update is stepping up to stop these con artists in their tracks, rolling out a suite of features designed to protect users from phone call scams. It’s a mix of clever tech and user-friendly nudges that could make a real difference—especially for those most vulnerable to fraud.

One of the sneakiest tricks scammers use is convincing you to sideload an app—installing it from a web browser, messaging app, or other non-Google Play source—while they’ve got you on the phone. These apps often look legitimate but can be loaded with malware that steals your data or takes control of your device. Android’s new protections, available on devices running Android 16, put a hard stop to this. If you’re on a call with an unknown contact and try to sideload an app for the first time, Android blocks it. No ifs, no buts. It’s a simple but effective barrier, cutting off a key entry point for scammers.

This move builds on Google’s existing safeguards. For years, Android has warned users about the risks of sideloading, but scammers are persistent, often preying on people during high-pressure moments. By tying the restriction to phone calls with unknown numbers, Google’s zeroing in on the context where these scams are most likely to happen. It’s not foolproof—savvy users can still sideload apps outside of calls—but it’s a targeted strike against a common tactic.

Scammers don’t just stop at getting their apps onto your phone. They often push victims to grant accessibility permissions, which give apps deep control over your device—everything from reading your screen to mimicking your taps. It’s like handing over the keys to your digital life. Google’s new update clamps down on this, too. If you’re on a call and try to grant accessibility permissions to an app, Android flashes a warning: “This setting is blocked to protect your device.” It even spells out the risk, noting that “scammers may try to take control of your device” by requesting these permissions.

This is a big deal. Accessibility features are powerful tools for those who need them, but they’re also a goldmine for fraudsters. Scammers have increasingly exploited these permissions to steal banking credentials, personal data, and more. Google’s on-device protections ensure these settings are locked down during calls, reducing the chance of a scammer slipping through.

Google’s also tackling a newer scam trend: screen-sharing fraud. In these schemes, scammers pose as bank representatives, government officials, or tech support, convincing victims to share their screen during a call. Once they can see your banking app or sensitive info, they guide you to transfer money or reveal passwords. It’s insidious because it feels like you’re in control—you’re the one clicking—but the scammer’s calling the shots.

Android is testing a feature in the UK to disrupt this. If you try to open a banking app while sharing your screen with an unknown contact, a pop-up warns of a “likely scam.” You get two options: end the call immediately (which stops the screen-sharing) or wait 30 seconds to proceed. That pause is deliberate—it gives you a moment to rethink, and the “end call” button is a one-tap escape hatch. Available on Android 11 and newer, this pilot is a first step, with Google planning to evaluate its impact before a wider rollout.

These new features don’t exist in a vacuum. Google’s been beefing up Android’s scam defenses for a while. Last year, it introduced AI-driven call screening that flags potential scammers and nudges you to hang up. Google Messages also got an upgrade with AI to spot scams like fake toll road bills, crypto cons, and financial impersonation ploys. These tools are getting smarter, catching more types of fraud as scammers evolve. AI-based detection has already reduced scam success rates in messaging by up to 30% in some regions, and combining it with these new call-based protections creates a multi-layered shield.

Phone call scams aren’t just annoying—they’re devastating. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that imposter scams (a category that includes phone-based fraud) cost Americans $2.7 billion in 2023 alone, with older adults and non-native English speakers often hit hardest.

Google’s approach—blending on-device restrictions, clear warnings, and AI—shows they’re taking this seriously. It’s not perfect. Scammers are notoriously adaptable, and some users might still find ways around these protections. But by focusing on the moments when people are most vulnerable (like during a call) and making safeguards automatic, Android is reducing the odds of falling victim. Plus, the UK screen-sharing pilot hints at Google’s willingness to experiment and refine.

Google’s not done. The company says it’s exploring more ways to integrate AI and on-device protections to stay ahead of scammers. The UK pilot’s results will likely shape whether the screen-sharing feature expands globally, and we can expect Android 17 to double down on these efforts. For now, these updates are a solid step, especially for Android 16 users and UK banking app customers.

If you’re on Android, take a moment to check your device’s security settings and enable Play Protect if it’s not already on. And if you get a call from an unknown number pushing you to download something or change settings? Hang up. Your phone’s got your back—now more than ever.