Google Blocks Call-Forwarding Scams in Android 17 Beta 3 for Pixel 6a and Newer
Updated
Updated · TechRepublic · Aug 18
Google Blocks Call-Forwarding Scams in Android 17 Beta 3 for Pixel 6a and Newer
1 articles · Updated · TechRepublic · Aug 18
Summary
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 stops standard apps from running call-forwarding USSD codes like *21# in the background, cutting off a common social-engineering scam route on eligible Pixel devices.
Google said the beta now analyzes those codes when apps use the TelephonyManager.sendUssdRequest() API, returns a USSD_ERROR_NOT_ALLOWED response for blocked attempts, and adds an OS-level confirmation when users enter call-forwarding codes manually.
Mobile-money transfers and account-check USSD functions are unchanged, while Android Authority also spotted a timestamped SIM security timeline and cellular cipher details that point to broader telecom-security upgrades.
The release also adds a redesigned Quick Settings editor, expanded color controls, more lock-screen blur effects and foldable windowing tweaks, signaling that Google’s quarterly Android betas are pairing interface changes with tighter background security.