Truecaller Introduces Free Family Safety Feature to Block Scam Calls Remotely
If you have elderly relatives or less tech-savvy family members who frequently fall victim to scam calls, a new tool from Truecaller may offer a practical solution. The popular caller identification app has rolled out a completely free feature called Family Safety, designed to help one tech-proficient person in the household protect up to five others from fraudulent calls and online scams. This move addresses a growing concern in many homes where seniors or non-technical users struggle to identify and avoid phone-based fraud.
How the Family Safety Feature Works
The system operates through a simple group setup. A family member who is comfortable with smartphones and technology can become the group administrator. They can then add up to five other members to create a safety network. Once the group is established, the administrator receives an instant alert whenever any member receives a suspicious or scam call. If the administrator believes the caller might be a fraudster, they can remotely disconnect the call directly from their own phone.
It is important to note that the remote call-disconnection capability is currently available only for Android users. However, scam call alerts are sent to both Android and iOS devices, ensuring that administrators using iPhones can still monitor and manage threats even if they cannot end the call remotely.
Key Features Beyond Call Blocking
This feature offers several additional benefits that enhance family safety:
- Completely free to use: Unlike many premium tools, the Family Safety feature does not require any paid subscription or premium plan. It is available to all Truecaller users at no cost.
- Real-time device status for Android: Administrators can see live information about each member’s phone, including whether it is on silent mode, the current battery level, and whether the person is walking or driving. This helps the admin choose the right time to call a family member.
- Centralized blocking control: The administrator has the authority to block suspicious numbers or international calling codes. These blocked numbers can be shared across the entire group, creating a unified defense against known scammers.
- Privacy preserved: Despite the extensive control given to the administrator, Truecaller has confirmed that no one can view another member’s regular call or SMS history. Privacy remains fully intact for all group participants.
AI-Powered Scam Detection on the Horizon
Truecaller is also developing an advanced artificial intelligence system that can detect scam calls in real time. This AI would listen for specific keywords commonly used in fraud schemes, such as the phrase “digital arrest.” If such language is detected during a live call, the system would automatically disconnect the call, cutting off the scammer before any damage can be done. While not yet available, this feature represents the next step in proactive fraud prevention.
Why This Feature Matters Now
The scale of scam calls in India has reached alarming levels. According to Truecaller’s own data, the company identified over 7.7 billion fraudulent calls in the previous year alone. While government regulations such as SIM binding rules aim to curb the problem, they cannot address every instance of fraud. This new feature gives ordinary people direct control over their family’s safety, allowing them to intervene immediately when a threat is detected.
The Family Safety feature is being rolled out globally, including in India. It was previously tested in countries like Sweden and Malaysia before its wider release.
Challenges Facing Truecaller
While users may welcome this new tool, Truecaller itself is navigating a difficult period. According to its fourth-quarter report for 2025, the company experienced a 49 percent drop in profits and a 31 percent decline in advertising revenue. Its stock value has also fallen by approximately 80 percent over the past year. Beyond financial struggles, the company faces increasing competition from government-backed caller identification systems, such as the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) system in India, which displays the real name of the caller.
Despite these hurdles, Truecaller remains confident that its community-based spam reporting system offers a more comprehensive solution than simple name display features. The company believes that its ability to identify and block scams based on user reports gives it a distinct advantage in the fight against phone fraud.
