What you need to know
The much-anticipated Scam Detection feature, powered by artificial intelligence, is making its debut for beta testers of the Google Phone app. Initially unveiled at Google I/O, this innovative tool is designed to enhance user security by identifying potential scam calls in real time.
As of today, users enrolled in the Phone by Google beta program have begun to notice a new toggle for Scam Detection nestled within the app’s settings menu. This feature operates seamlessly in the background, utilizing AI to scan incoming calls that may pose a risk to users.
To access this feature, participants must be located in the U.S., using a Pixel 6 or a more recent model. Once activated, Scam Detection will continuously monitor calls, providing alerts if a call is suspected to be a scam. The toggle is marked with a “beta” badge, indicating its testing status.
Scam Detection went silently live for me in the Google Phone app on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. I had to check the settings to manually turn it on. pic.twitter.com/JJsC2a9upQ
For privacy considerations, Scam Detection is turned off by default, even for those in the beta program. Users interested in trying it out must navigate to Phone app settings, select Assistive, and then choose Scam Detection to enable the feature. It can be deactivated at any time, even during an active call. When Scam Detection is engaged, a subtle beeping tone will periodically sound, indicating that the call is under analysis.
Owners of the latest Google Pixel 9 series will benefit from the Gemini Nano AI model, specifically designed for screening calls. Other supported devices will utilize various Google machine learning models, although details remain somewhat vague.
The Scam Detection settings page within the app provides further insights into its functionality. Notably, the feature will not screen calls from contacts saved in the user’s phone. Call content is never recorded or stored, ensuring that privacy is maintained throughout the process. The screening mechanism is exclusively focused on unknown numbers that exhibit characteristics of potential scams.
Should a suspected scam call be identified, users will receive a pop-up notification indicating that the call is “likely a scam” and that “suspicious activity” has been detected. From this alert, users can choose to press Not a scam if they wish to continue the conversation or select End call to terminate the call immediately.
Google is actively seeking feedback from beta testers regarding their experiences with Scam Detection, with plans to provide additional updates about the feature in the upcoming months as the rollout progresses.
