android.permission.ANSWER_PHONE_CALLS

Risk Level: MEDIUM / HIGH

What does it do?

Allows the app to programmatically pick up a phone call.

Why is it dangerous?

1. Expensive Collect Calls: Malware could automatically answer calls from premium-rate numbers or “collect calls” where the receiver pays.
2. Eavesdropping: Combined with RECORD_AUDIO or READ_CALL_LOG, a spy app could auto-answer a call from the attacker (“silent call”) to listen in on the room’s audio.
3. Harassment: Automatically answering spam calls that you wanted to ignore.

Legitimate Uses

• Headset / Bluetooth companion apps (to answer via button press).
• Automotive (Car) apps (hands-free answering).
• Smartwatches.

Verdict

Suspicious unless connected to a wearable device or car system.