Android Fraud Detection: Pixel Smartphone Scans Calls in Real Time and Warns 56 comments
Image: Google
Android’s ‘scam detection’ first reported for Google I/O 2024 could roll out with March update for Pixel smartphones. Via Gemini Nano, it enables local detection of fraudulent calls and SMS messages directly on the smartphone and informs the user of suspicions during the conversation.
Introduction with update in March
Google itself had time for the fraud detection to occur in March, published on its own website. It is still unclear whether the function will only start in the United States or will already be available in other countries.
Real-time analysis on the smartphone
Scam detection has been in beta since November 2024. For calls, real-time analysis of the conversation ensures that users are informed about the visible behavior of the conversation partner. With Gemini Nano, all conversation processing necessary for this must be done directly on the smartphone, so calls are neither recorded nor uploaded to a cloud – the interlocutor would have to be informed in advance. In particular, calls in which fraudsters wish to act as bank employees and want to arrange an immediate transfer should be effectively prevented by the new detection.
Beep and vibration in case of suspicion
A short beep should always alert the user at the beginning and during the conversation that fraud recognition is active and the conversation is being analyzed. If suspicion of fraud is determined, the Pixel smartphone vibrates with a warning tone so you can watch the display. This shows a note that suspicious activity for the call has been recognized. With this note, the user can choose between the “Notice a Scam” and “End Call” actions to end or continue the call.
Note about suspicious activity on a call (image: google)
Text messages in Google Messages must also be analyzed directly on the device in order to recognize striking texts that are aimed at fraud. Suspicious messages should then be automatically moved to a spam folder.
Pixel 6
Fraud detection will generally be available from Pixel 6. Gemini Nano is only used on the new Pixel 9 (test). Other ML models are used on older pixel generations, but it should also allow processing on the device itself.
A help entry on Google provides more details on how to enable scam detection. The feature must be manually enabled by users in order for it to be used.
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Sarah tracks innovations in smartphones, evaluating their performance, design, and key features.
