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California, May 13 (Read) — Google has announced several major security upgrades for Android smartphone users during its Android Show 2026 event, with a strong focus on tackling online scams, fake calls and phone theft.

The company said the upcoming Android 17 update will introduce AI-powered scam detection, verified financial calls, anti-theft tools, enhanced privacy controls and stronger app security features.

Google stated that the new features are aimed at protecting users from rising cyber frauds such as fake bank calls, OTP scams, screen-sharing frauds and malicious applications.

One of the key features announced is “Verified Financial Calls,” designed to stop caller ID spoofing and fake banking calls. Under the new system, if someone calls claiming to represent a bank, Android 17 will check in the background with the banking app to verify whether the call is genuinely coming from the bank.

If the banking app confirms that no official call was initiated, the Android system may automatically disconnect the suspicious call.

Google also revealed that banks will be able to mark certain phone numbers as “Inbound-Only.” These numbers will only be allowed to receive calls and cannot be used for outgoing calls. If scammers attempt to misuse such numbers, the system will instantly flag them.

The company is also strengthening its Live Threat Detection system. The upgraded feature will monitor suspicious app activities, including apps secretly changing permissions, running in the background without user knowledge or attempting to hide themselves.

According to Google, Android users will receive instant alerts if any suspicious activity is detected, helping improve protection against fake APK apps and malware.

The company further said Android 17 will enhance AI-based detection for chat notifications and SMS fraud. The system will scan for suspicious messages containing scam links, OTP fraud attempts or fake payment requests and warn users before they interact with them.

Google has also introduced new anti-theft protections in Android 17. Through the “Mark as Lost” feature, users will be able to secure stolen phones using biometric locks.

Once a phone is marked as lost, quick settings will be hidden, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth controls will be restricted and adding new networks will become difficult, reducing the chances of misuse by thieves.

Google clarified that several of these security features will not remain limited to new smartphones and will gradually roll out to older Android devices as well.

Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Readhis insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.