Truecaller Launches Family Protection Against Scam Calls

Truecaller is expanding its defensive capabilities with the global rollout of a new family protection feature. The tool allows a designated administrator to monitor and intervene in calls received by up to five group members, providing a direct layer of security against increasingly sophisticated phone scams.

How the Protection System Works

The service, which is available to all users regardless of subscription status, functions by linking accounts within a private group. The administrator receives real-time alerts when other members are targeted by suspicious callers. For Android users, the admin has the added authority to remotely disconnect these calls if they are identified as potential threats.

Beyond call blocking, the platform offers location and status transparency for Android users, provided permission is granted. Admins can view:

• Real-time movement (walking or driving).
• Current battery levels.
• Phone sound settings, such as whether the device is in silent mode.

Strategic Shift Toward Protection

Kunal Dua, Truecaller’s chief product officer, described the move as a fundamental evolution in how the platform addresses security. “I think, unfortunately, all of us know somebody or another in our families or friends who have been impacted by fraud,” Dua stated. The company emphasizes that while admins can manage security, they maintain user privacy by not having access to SMS history or non-spam call logs.

The company is currently testing further AI integrations, including automated call screening that would terminate calls if specific keywords—such as “digital arrest”—are detected. These measures aim to curb the massive volume of fraud, with Truecaller reporting over 7.7 billion identified scam calls last year in India alone.

Market Challenges and Future Outlook

The launch comes at a testing time for Truecaller, which has seen its stock value decline by more than 80% over the past year. The company is navigating a difficult financial landscape, with recent Q4 2025 reports showing a 49% year-on-year drop in EBITDA and a 31% decline in ad revenue.

Additionally, the firm is contending with India’s Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) system. Despite the pressure, CEO Rishit Jhunjhunwala remains optimistic about the company’s value proposition. “Our focus continues to be on delivering a superior product,” Jhunjhunwala said, noting that users can utilize both CNAP and Truecaller simultaneously to receive more comprehensive context and protection.