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

Max Buondonno/ZDNET

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.

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Here's how the feature works.

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. 

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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. 

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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.