Google Introduces AI-Powered Scam Detection for Pixel Phones

Google Pixel phones get scam detection powered by on-device AI

Why it matters: Phone scams are becoming an increasingly challenging problem to address, but AI could play a significant role in tackling them. To that end, Google is rolling out an "intelligent" anti-scam shield for Pixel owners designed to enhance security while ensuring user privacy remains protected. After its initial announcement at the 2024 I/O conference, Google is officially rolling out its Scam Detection feature for Phone by Google devices. The feature will debut on Pixel smartphones and is expected to expand to more Android devices "soon." Despite using AI, Google assures privacy-conscious users that there is no cause for concern. Scam Detection is a real-time feature designed to shield users from scams and fraudulent activities. According to Google's announcement, the feature analyzes phone calls to identify patterns commonly associated with scams, such as impersonating a bank representative, a carrier employee, or someone urgently requesting an unsolicited fund transfer. When a potential scam is detected, the system provides users with audio, haptic, and visual alerts, along with an option to quickly end the call. The feature leverages Google's Gemini Nano AI model, which runs entirely offline but requires substantial RAM. Currently, Gemini Nano is exclusive to Pixel 9 devices, but Google plans to extend the feature to older Pixel models (Pixel 6 and newer) using other "robust" on-device machine learning models. Scam Detection is "private by design," Google emphasizes, ensuring users retain full control over the feature. It is disabled by default and can be turned off at any time, either for all calls or during specific ones. All data and voice processing occur entirely on the device, with no audio or transcripts stored or sent to Google's servers. Google is positioning Scam Detection as a secure and significant improvement in the fight against mobile scams. The company estimates scammers collectively generate over $1 trillion annually, with phone calls remaining one of their most effective tools. As scam tactics grow increasingly sophisticated, Google has turned to AI to provide reliable protection for users. Scam Detection relies on the Gemini Nano AI model to shield Pixel users from fraudulent calls effectively. However, Google also unveiled an additional security enhancement unrelated to AI. Google Play Protect is gaining real-time capabilities on Pixel 6+ devices. This updated service can now analyze running apps to detect potentially harmful behavior. Initially focused on identifying stalkerware apps, the feature will expand to target other malicious app categories in future updates.

This is how the Google Pixel analyzes your phone conversations to detect scams - Softonic

Your Google Pixel will be able to tell if someone wants to scam you Did you know that your Google Pixel can become your best ally against phone scams? Google has announced that the Pixels will debut a new feature, Scam Detection, which will serve to combat scams carried out with artificial intelligence. Scam Detection monitors phone conversations made from a Google Pixel to detect suspicious conversation patterns. This AI-powered system works in real-time and alerts the user through a mobile notification if the call could be a scam. Regarding the privacy of your data and calls, you can rest assured: all processing is done on the Google Pixel itself. According to Google, "no audio or transcription of the conversation is stored on the device, nor is it sent to Google's servers or anywhere else." The feature is not enabled by default, so users will have to decide whether to enable it or not from the settings. Gemini Nano, Google's AI model designed for mobile devices, is responsible for analyzing calls for scams. In addition to the Google Pixel 9, users with a Pixel 6 or later models will also be able to enjoy Scam Detection. However, this feature is only available for conversations in English and will be gradually rolled out in the beta version in the United States. Besides the Pixels, Google is also working on more security implementations within its app store, such as Google Play Protect. According to the company, it is capable of detecting malicious apps that try to hide their activity within our phone. During its launch, live threat detection will be focused on the so-called stalkerware which, according to Google, refers to code that can collect personal or sensitive data for surveillance purposes without the user's consent. It is already available from the Google Pixel 6 onwards and will reach other manufacturers in the coming months.

Google Pixel Scam Call Detection Is Going Live

Scam calls are incredibly common, but Google has a new plan to detect them in real time using on-device AI models. It's coming first to Google Pixel phones. ✕ Remove Ads Google has announced the release of Scam Detection, a new real-time protection feature designed to shield users from scams and fraud attempts. The feature was previously announced during Google I/O 2024, but it is now making its way to users at long last. Scam calls are a big issue, with around $1 trillion in losses from these scams every year. The announcement was made as part of a wider slate of security features, along with the announcement of improvements to Google Play Protect. How will it help, exactly? Scam Detection will make use of on-device AI to analyze conversation patterns and identify potential scam calls in real-time. If a call exhibits suspicious characteristics, such as a caller impersonating a bank representative, a carrier rep, or otherwise demanding urgent fund transfers, the feature will issue an audio, haptic, and visual warning to the user. ✕ Remove Ads According to Google, Scam Detection has been engineered with user control in mind. The feature is deactivated by default and can be enabled or disabled at any time through the Phone app settings. If you do want to enable it but you're worried about someone at Google potentially snooping on your convos, all AI processing occurs locally on your phone, ensuring that no conversation audio or transcripts are stored on the device or transmitted to Google servers. The AI model powering Scam Detection is Gemini Nano, Google's latest on-device AI innovation, which will be featured on Pixel 9 series devices. It should be noted that while Pixel 6 and above users don't have Gemini Nano, they will also benefit from this feature, thanks to other robust on-device machine learning models. We don't know yet if it will work identically or if there will be differences with the Gemini Nano-powered version. ✕ Remove Ads The rollout of Scam Detection begins today for English-speaking Phone by Google public beta users in the U.S. with a Pixel 6 or newer device. As with every AI feature, it might take some time to actually become reliable, and we might see things such as false positives triggering a warning. Any issues should be ironed out within the next few months. Source: Google

This Pixel phone feature listens in on calls to protect you from scams

Phone scams are on the rise, but Pixel users are getting an extra line of defense, thanks to AI. Phone scams are on the rise, and thanks to AI, they're more convincing than ever. That's why Google is stepping in and offering one last line of defense for Pixel users -- a feature that listens in, on your phone calls, and alerts you if a scam is going down. When you place or make a call, the onboard AI listens to your conversation. On the Pixel 9 series, Gemini Nano conducts the detection, while for the Pixel 6 and above, it's an older learning model. Furthermore, the AI will listen for conversation patterns commonly associated with scams, like a caller urgently requesting funds, asking for account login information, or claiming to be from your bank. Also: 1 in 4 people have experienced identity fraud - and most of them blame AI If the AI detects a potential scam, you'll hear an audio alarm, your phone will vibrate, and your phone will show a warning that says, "Likely Scam" and "Suspicious activity detected for this call." You'll have the option to choose "Not a scam" or "End call." Currently, the feature is available on Pixel 6 devices and newer models, but only if you're a "Phone By Google" beta program user and have the latest version of the Phone app (the default dialer). If you're not already a beta user, signing up is free, but Google says it might take "a while" before you receive the update and new feature. Also: I downloaded Google's Gemini app on the iPhone for free - and it nearly replaces Siri for me Scam Detection is off by default. You can turn it on anytime in your Phone app's settings or even enable it during a call. Since the process happens entirely on a device, your call audio is not stored or transferred anywhere else. Additionally, last month Google added a scam detection and prevention feature to Messages. Like this new voice feature, the message version analyzes content for common fraud attempts like a missed package delivery, a job posting, or a bank message, and either sends the message to spam or gives you a warning.

Google upgrades Pixel security to catch scams in real-time

Key Takeaways Google has introduced real-time scam detection on Pixel phones to protect users from fraud during calls. AI-powered Scam Detection alerts users to potential fraud with audio, haptic feedback, and visual warnings. Play Protect on Pixel phones monitors apps for harmful behavior, alerting users in real-time with notifications. ✕ Remove Ads Google already provides several tools to protect your Pixel smartphone from spam calls and messages. However, as scammers have become more sophisticated, Google has introduced two new AI-powered features for added security. These include real-time spam detection during phone calls and live Play Protect threat detection, which alerts you to malware and harmful apps. Related 6 ways to tell if your Android phone has malware Signs your Android phone has been infected 5 Scammers steal nearly $1 trillion annually, and most of it is through phone call fraud. With scammers becoming more sophisticated and harder to identify, Google's new Scam Detection will scan phone calls in real-time to protect users from fraud before it can occur. ✕ Remove Ads Google explains that Scam Detection identifies "conversation patterns commonly associated with scams." For example, if a caller claims to be from your bank and urgently requests a fund transfer due to a supposed account breach, Scam Detection will process the call's likelihood of being fraudulent or not. If the AI detects potential fraud, it will alert the user with an audio cue, haptic feedback, and a visual warning. Close To ensure privacy, Scam Detection is turned off by default and must be manually enabled, either for all calls or specific ones. Google says that all processing occurs on-device, with no audio or transcriptions stored on Google's servers online. In fact, on the Pixel 9 series, this feature is powered by the on-device Gemini Nano, although the feature is available on all Pixel models from the Pixel 6 onward. ✕ Remove Ads Currently, the feature is limited to English language users in the US, as part of a "public beta," but we expect Google to expand to more languages and regions in the future. Real-time spam call detection and Play Protect threat alerts are exclusive to Pixel 6-9 Close Google is also introducing live threat detection in Google Play Protect. This feature monitors how apps use sensitive permissions and interact with other apps and services. If an app is found to be harmful, it alerts the user with a real-time notification. According to Google, the feature analyzes "actual activity patterns of apps," including their code, to check if they collect personal or sensitive data without user consent. As seen in the screenshot shared by Google above, Play Protect sends a notification if an app is deemed unsafe, directing users to Play Protect to review the issue. ✕ Remove Ads Close Google emphasizes that all processing happens securely on-device, with no data leaving the phone. Currently, this feature is available for Pixel 6 and newer models, but Google plans to expand it to smartphones from other manufacturers in the coming months. Google Pixel 9 The Pixel 9 is Google's most affordable 2024 flagship, offering key features like a 48MP ultra-wide camera, 50MP main shooter, and autofocus selfie cam. While it makes a few compromises compared to the Pro models, it still includes new Gemini AI features and a 2,700-nit Actua display, providing great value at its price point. $799 at Amazon$799 at Best Buy$799 at Google Store Google Pixel 9 Pro The Pixel 9 Pro is a compact addition to Google's lineup, offering a smaller form factor while retaining all the AI and camera capabilities of the Pro series. It shares dimensions with the standard Pixel 9 but brings premium features like the Pixel 9 Pro XL, making it a standout in Google's high-end range. $999 at Amazon$999 at Best Buy$999 at Google Store ✕ Remove Ads

Google Pixel Phones Get Real-Time Scam and Malware Detection Features

Google is rolling out two new AI-powered security features to Pixel 6 or newer devices. One observes call patterns to notify users about potential scammers on the default Phone app, and the other scans apps for malware and notifies users about live threats via Google Play Protect. Scam Detection uses on-device AI to look for conversation patterns commonly used by scammers. For example, Google says if an unknown caller asks you to transfer urgent funds citing dubious reasons, the AI will send audio, haptic, and visual alerts to notify you of a potential scam. The feature is processed fully on-device, and the conversation data won't be stored on the device or sent to a Google server or anywhere else, Google says. But that does mean the AI is listening to your phone conversations if enabled. On the Pixel 9 series, it is powered by the Gemini Nano AI model, and on the other Pixel devices, it's powered by undisclosed Google models. Scam Detection is turned off by default. Users can turn it on for all calls via the Phone app's Settings. The feature, which can currently identify calls in English, is rolling out to public beta users of the Phone app in the US. The other nifty addition is live threat detection in Google Play Protect. The feature observes the activity patterns of malicious apps "that try extra hard to hide their behavior or lie dormant for a time before engaging in suspicious activity." When a harmful app gets flagged by the AI, users will receive a real-time notification alert to take immediate action. At launch, the feature will scan for stalkerware -- apps that collect sensitive data without user consent -- and will later improve its capabilities to detect other types of malicious activities. Live threat detection is performed on-device and uses Private Compute Core, an Android framework that protects users without collecting data. These new safety features will be rolling out to other Android phones soon.

Pixel phones are getting two major security upgrades to protect you from scammers

Scams are more prevalent and sophisticated than ever, posing a serious threat even to those who consider themselves vigilant. Thankfully your phone has been picking up some skills to keep you that little bit safer -- two more major features have now arrived for Google Pixel phone owners. Google has started rolling out Live Scam Detection to the Pixel Phone app, while an upgraded version of the Play Protect system will help detect and report any scammy Google Play apps in real time. However only the latter will be making its way to non Pixel phones, as far as we know. Live Scam Detection was announced back at Google I/O in May, and is powered by Google's Gemini AI. The idea is that Gemini will listen out for "conversation patterns commonly associated with scams" -- prompting you with audio and haptic alerts when it detects them. Your phone will then show a "Likely Scam" warning claiming that "Suspicious activity detected for this call". The screen will then give you the option to end the call, or mark the call as not being a scam. Though you should only do that if you're 100% sure that the call is legitimate. So I doubt you'll be doing that very often. Google promises that Live Scam Detection doesn't record or transcribe conversations to your device or any Google server, and is switched off by default. It's also rolling out as a beta to Pixels 6 through 9 in the U.S. right now, and only covers the English-language version of Google's phone app. Google Play Protect's live threat detection is built to actively seek out harmful apps on your phone -- analyzing them for suspicious behavior in real time. The goal here isn't to spot the obviously malicious apps, which are flagged either on the Play Store or when you download them. This feature will continuously look for signs of malice, and apps that initially lie dormant in an attempt to bypass existing security features. All the work is done by Android's Private Compute Core, which helps keep your data secure and alerts you if any suspicious activity has been detected. Currently the feature is rolling out to Pixel 6 phones and newer, and is confirmed to be coming to other Android phones "in the coming months" -- including those from Lenovo, OnePlus, Oppo and Nothing. Scams have been ramping up recently, and will no doubt explode over the Black Friday and holiday seasons -- as scammers try to take advantage of people looking for a bargain. Be sure to check out our tips on how to avoid those scams, especially if you're looking for larger items like home appliances. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is and if someone calls claiming to be from the bank make sure you hang up and call the bank back on their official number.

Google rolls out its smart AI scam detector for the Pixel Phone app

Currently only available in the beta version of the app for US users Having announced the feature back at Google I/O 2024 in May, Google is now rolling out its AI-powered Scam Detection feature for the Pixel Phone app - though for now it's only available in the beta version for US users. The rollout was announced by Google in a blog post (via 9to5Google), with the promise that they'll be appearing on other Android devices besides Pixels in the future. For now, the Pixel 6 from 2021 and all later Pixels are eligible for the update. As we previously reported, the feature uses on-board AI to scan the audio from your incoming calls. If the algorithms detect that you might be getting scammed, you'll see an alert to that effect on the Phone app screen. "For example, if a caller claims to be from your bank and asks you to urgently transfer funds due to an alleged account breach, Scam Detection will process the call to determine whether the call is likely spam and, if so, can provide an audio and haptic alert and visual warning that the call may be a scam," explains Google. While the thought of AI listening to your calls is a little unnerving, this is all handled locally, with no data sent back to the cloud: the Pixel 9 phones use the built-in Gemini Nano, and older Pixels use "other robust Google on-device machine learning models". While the rise of generative AI certainly has its benefits, it's also proving to be something of a headache in terms of digital security. Fraudsters are making use of the tech to create scam calls, while the good guys are fighting back with their own AI operators. The new feature adds to the suite of security protections already available in the Phone app for Pixels. Those protections include Call Screen, which can answer calls with a bot to see what the caller wants before you get involved. In this early form inside the beta app, Scam Detection isn't on by default: you have to go to the app settings (via the three-dot button in the top right corner) to enable it. Google is also asking early adopters for feedback on the feature, and how well it works, before rolling it out more widely.

Android is getting call scam detection, real-time app threat alerts | Digital Trends

Google's focus on Android safety and security has been pretty evident this year. From partial screen recording and private spaces to protection against juice jacking attacks, Android 15 has been quite a reassuring iteration. Google is now injecting some more energy into that endeavor with a couple of new features that tackle the threat of scam calls and bad apps. These features are appearing first on Pixel smartphones, and will subsequently make their way to other Android phones. Recommended Videos First in line is Google Play Protect live threat detection, which shows real-time alerts for apps that pose a threat. "Play Protect analyzes behavioral signals related to the use of sensitive permissions and interactions with other apps and services," says Google. The latest upgrade allows the system to send an alert as soon as it detects that an app is engaged in unusual activities. This notice will help users take necessary action, such as revoking access or uninstalling it, before a malicious app package does more damage. The entire risk evaluation process relies on Android's Private Compute Core, a safe processing environment that pushes for on-device analysis. Real-time alerts, originating from activity analysis, will initially focus on apps engaged in stalking behavior, and will soon expand to other types of harmful apps. Next, we have enhanced scam detection for calls. Once again, this is an on-device system, one that relies on AI to look for signs of suspicious behavior, such as a scammer asking for money or a code transfer. "If a caller claims to be from your bank and asks you to urgently transfer funds due to an alleged account breach, Scam Detection will process the call to determine whether the call is likely spam," explains Google. This feature is now available to users in the U.S. as part of a phase testing program. Less than a month ago, Google announced enhanced scam detection for the Messages app, with the intent of preventing fraudulent and package delivery scams. As far as call scam detection goes, it's an opt-in feature. It will be set to "off" by default, and only when users enable it, will the AI be able to do its job. The AI in question here is the Gemini Nano model, which is running locally on Pixel 9 series phones. However, it will expand to the Pixel 6 series, as well as all the subsequent models.

Google Pixel Phones Can Now Identify Scam Calls in Real Time, but There's a Catch

Passkey Support Finally Comes to LastPass, but There Are a Few Catches In an ideal world, everyone would have an expert nearby to let them know when a call is a scam. Fortunately, Google's new feature for Pixel phones can help identify scam callers by listening to what they're saying and flagging them if they detect any malicious intent. ✕ Remove Ads Google Pixel's Scam Detector Rolls Out to the Phone by Google Public Beta As announced on the Google Security blog, the company has revealed the new Scam Detection feature in the Phone by Google app. When activated, it gives you a second opinion on whether the person on the other end of a call is a scammer or not: Scam Detection uses powerful on-device AI to notify you of a potential scam call happening in real-time by detecting conversation patterns commonly associated with scams. For example, if a caller claims to be from your bank and asks you to urgently transfer funds due to an alleged account breach, Scam Detection will process the call to determine whether the call is likely spam and, if so, can provide an audio and haptic alert and visual warning that the call may be a scam. ✕ Remove Ads Fortunately, Google states that all AI processing happens on the device, so you don't need to worry about your phone sending transcripts of your calls to an external server. And if you're uncomfortable with an AI model listening into your conversations, you can disable the feature. Unfortunately, if you want to use this new feature, you'll need to jump through a few hoops. First, the feature is currently available only in English. Second, you must be in the US, and you need to have a Pixel 6 or better. Finally, you need to be a beta tester for Phone by Google, which you can learn more about on the Phone app help page. ✕ Remove Ads

Google Will Now Use AI to Protect You From Call Scams and Harmful Apps

Google introduced two new artificial intelligence (AI) safety tools for Android devices on Wednesday. These tools are aimed at protecting users from phone call-based scams and malicious apps by monitoring the activity in real time. The first is Scam Detection in Phone by Google, which monitors conversation patterns to determine whether an incoming call could be a scam. The second is Google Play Protect real-time alerts which monitor the background activity of an app after it has been installed to detect malicious apps. The tech giant detailed the two new safety tools in its security blog post. Both of these features are being rolled out to Google Pixel 6 and newer models. The Scam Detection in Phone feature will initially be available only in the US to those who have signed up for the Google Beta Programme. The call-based safety tool will only work on English-language phone calls. The Google Play Protect live alerts will also be available outside of the US. Scam Detection feature is different from typical caller ID apps and services which use phone numbers and track calling behaviour to determine if a number is associated with scams. Instead, Google is using its on-device machine learning models to process a call's conversation pattern in real-time to determine whether an incoming call is a scam. On the Pixel 9 series, this will be done by Gemini Nano. Highlighting an example, the tech giant said if a caller claims to be from the user's bank and asks them to transfer funds due to a breach, the AI model can process the audio information and use its database to confirm whether similar conversation patterns have been used to scam people. Once it determines that a call could be a potential scam, the AI will provide an audio and haptic alert and show a visual warning. Google highlighted that the feature will remain off by default, and users can either turn it on for all calls from the Phone app settings or turn it on for a particular call. The company claimed that no conversation audio or transcription is stored on the device, sent to Google servers or anywhere else, or is retrievable after the call. The second feature is part of Google Play Protect, a safety tool that monitors the Play Store for malicious and harmful apps. With the AI-powered Live Threat Detection feature, Google's AI models will monitor the installed apps on eligible Android devices. If an app shows suspicious behaviour or unnecessary interaction with other apps, the tool will issue a warning in real time alerting the user. Google claims that this AI tool will be able to detect apps which lay dormant for a period after installation to evade suspicion. Further, since users can detect harmful behaviour in real-time, it will enable them to take timely action to prevent data stealing. Notably, at launch, the tool will only focus on stalkerware, and malicious apps that collect personal or sensitive user data without permission.

Google Unveils Smart AI Tools to Safeguard Users from Scams and Malicious Apps

Google has introduced two new artificial intelligence (AI) safety tools designed to protect Android users from phone call scams and malicious apps. These tools announced in a blog post on Wednesday, use real-time monitoring and AI-powered models to identify and warn users about potential threats. The new features are rolling out for Google Pixel devices and focus on enhancing user security by leveraging machine learning to detect fraud and harmful behaviour. The first tool, Scam Detection in Phone, aims to protect users from phone call scams by analyzing conversation patterns during incoming calls. Unlike traditional caller ID services that rely on phone numbers or calling behaviour, this feature processes the content of a call in real-time using AI. By identifying patterns associated with known scams, such as fraudulent calls claiming to be from a bank, the tool can warn users with audio and visual alerts. If the AI determines that a call could be a scam, it will issue a haptic vibration along with a warning on the screen. Importantly, Google emphasizes that no audio is stored or sent to its servers, ensuring privacy for users. Initially, the Scam Detection feature will only be available to users in the U.S. who are part of the Google Beta Program and will only work with English-language calls. Google aims to expand its rollout to more users in the future. This feature adds an extra layer of protection for users who might otherwise be tricked by scammers posing as trusted entities, such as banks or government agencies. The second tool, Google Play Protect Live Threat Detection, enhances security by monitoring the activity of installed apps. This tool uses AI to detect malicious behaviour in apps, even after they have been installed. It will alert users in real-time if an app exhibits suspicious activity, such as interacting unnecessarily with other apps or engaging in data-harvesting activities without the user's consent. One of its key capabilities is detecting "stalkerware" -- malicious apps that monitor users' activities or collect sensitive data without authorization. The feature will initially focus on these types of apps but will be expanded to detect other threats over time. Both tools are part of Google's ongoing effort to improve Android security. The Scam Detection feature is available on Google Pixel 6 and newer models, while the Google Play Protect Live Threat Detection will be accessible to users outside the US. This combination of real-time monitoring and gives Android users greater control over their security, helping them stay safe from fraud and malicious apps.

Google Unveils Upcoming Online Protection Tools for Android Users - Phandroid

Google recently announced that it's bringing over two new real-time protection features for user safety when going online. Google says that the new features will be available on Pixel phones first, and will arrive for more Android devices soon. First up is the Scam Detection feature, which uses on-device AI to let users know if they're interacting with potential scam calls in real-time. For example, Scam Detection will be able to analyze conversation patterns which are usually associated with scam calls, such as those pretending to be from financial institutions and such. It's currently in beta, and users can choose whether or not to activate it on their phone once it rolls out. Meanwhile, Google Play Protect will be able to detect patterns pertaining to the use of permissions and interactions with other apps and services. With live threat detection for instance, harmful apps will prompt the system to notify users with a real-time alert, allowing them to remove potentially-malicious apps that try to hide their behavior. Live threat detection will also focus on "stalkerware", otherwise known as code that may collect personal or sensitive data for monitoring purposes without a user's knowledge. Google says that this is made possible via the Private Compute Core, which allows us to protect users without collecting data.