Pixel users will soon get an extra layer of protection against malicious calls and texts, as Google’s AI-powered, real-time scam detection is rolling out widely next month.
The Gemini Nano feature, which is coming to both Google Messages and Phone by Google, runs in the background and will alert you mid-call if it identifies “conversation patterns commonly associated with scammers.” You’ll hear a beep at the beginning of possible scam calls to indicate that the conversation is being monitored, with subsequent beeps sounding every few minutes. You’ll also see an on-screen prompt when suspicious activity has been detected, with options to “End call” or mark “Not a scam.” For messages, possible scam texts will be automatically moved to your Spam & blocked folder.
Google says that the feature works on-device only and will not save or record any call or message content.
Google rolled out live threat detection for spotting malicious apps on your Pixel late last year (the same time that Scam Detection launched in a public beta). That feature alerts you to suspicious apps—specifically, “stalkerware” that scrapes your personal data—in real time so you can evaluate and delete them if needed.
How to enable scam detection on your Pixel
Once scam detection is widely available in March, you can activate the feature for calls in your settings. Open Phone by Google Settings > Scam Detection and toggle scam detection on. To enable detection and filtering for spam texts in Google Messages, go to Messages Settings > Spam protection.
Of course, threat and scam detection features don’t absolve users of the responsibility to follow basic security best practices when it comes to calls, messages, and apps. Be wary of calls and texts from numbers you don’t know, and don’t engage with anyone requesting urgent action, such as providing sensitive information, sending money, or downloading software or apps to your devices. Don’t click links in suspicious texts or emails, and always go directly to the website for the bank or institution to locate contact information.
