What to know

• Google has launched a real-time scam detection feature for Pixel smartphones that alerts users about potential spam calls during conversations.

• The feature is currently available for Pixel 6 and newer devices in the U.S., specifically for English-speaking Phone by Google public beta users.

• The technology uses on-device AI to detect suspicious patterns without storing or recording any audio conversations, ensuring user privacy.

Google has unveiled an innovative security feature to combat the rising threat of spam calls. The new real-time scam detection tool, which was first previewed at Google I/O 2024, is now rolling out to Pixel smartphone users.

Google, via a post on Google Community, explained that the feature works by actively listening to call conversations and analyzing patterns commonly associated with scams. When suspicious activity is detected, users receive immediate alerts through sound and vibration, along with a warning message that reads “Likely scam” on their screen. Users can then choose to end the call or mark it as “Not a Scam.”

Image via Google

On the latest Pixel 9 series, the scam detection feature is powered by Gemini Nano, while Pixel 6 through 8a users benefit from Google’s on-device machine learning models. The company emphasizes privacy protection, ensuring that no audio transcription or conversation data is stored on the device or transmitted to Google servers.

To use this feature, Pixel users need to manually enable it through the Google Phone app settings. The rollout is currently limited to English-speaking Phone by Google public beta users in the United States who own Pixel 6 or newer devices. 

To enable the real-time Scam Detection feature:

  1. Go to the Phone by Google app
  2. Tap on the Upper right menu
  3. Tap on Settings
  4. Select Scam Detection
  5. Turn the “Scam detection” toggle ON.

Google plans to expand this feature to other Android devices from manufacturers like Lenovo, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo in the coming months.

The scam detection feature is part of Google’s broader security initiative, which includes enhanced Google Play Protect with Live Threat Detection. This comprehensive approach aims to provide users with better protection against sophisticated cyber threats and malicious apps.