Pixel Phones Are Getting a New Fraud Detection Tool
Pixel users will soon get an extra layer of protection from malicious calls and texts as Google’s real-time fraud detection system rolls out widely next month .
The Gemini Nano feature, which is available in both Google Messages and Phone by Google, works in the background and will alert you mid-conversation if it detects “conversation patterns commonly associated with scammers.” At the beginning of possible scam calls, you will hear a beep indicating that the conversation is being monitored, and subsequent beeps will sound every few minutes. When suspicious activity is detected, you will also see an on-screen prompt with the option to “End Call” or check “This is not a scam.” For messages, possible fraudulent texts will be automatically moved to the Spam and Blocked folder.
Google says this feature only works on the device and does not save or record the contents of calls or messages.
Late last year, Google rolled out threat detection to detect malicious apps on your Pixel (the same time Scam Detection launched in public beta). This feature alerts you to suspicious apps—specifically “stalkerware” that collects your personal data—in real time so you can evaluate and remove them if necessary.
How to enable fraud detection on your Pixel
Once fraud detection becomes widely available in March, you’ll be able to enable the calling feature in your settings. Go to Google’s Phone Settings > Fraud Detection and turn on fraud detection. To enable spam detection and filtering in Google Messages, go to Message Settings > Antispam .
Of course, threat and fraud detection features don’t relieve users of their responsibility to follow basic security best practices when it comes to calls, messages, and apps. Be wary of calls and text messages from numbers you don’t recognize, and don’t communicate with people who require urgent action, such as providing sensitive information, sending money, or downloading software or apps to your devices. Avoid clicking on links in suspicious texts or emails, and always go directly to the bank or institution’s website to find contact information.