Android will soon have a feature to detect scam calls using artificial intelligence

In an effort to protect Android users against phone scammers, Google is developing new protections. Google revealed on Tuesday at its I/O developer conference that it is developing a new call monitoring function that will alert users to the possibility that the person they are speaking with is probably trying to defraud them and prompt them to cancel such talks.

Google claims that the tool looks for fraudulent language and other communication patterns commonly associated with frauds using Gemini Nano, a scaled-down version of the company’s Gemini large language model for Android smartphones that can run locally and offline. When these red flags are present during a call, users will then receive real-time alerts.

These alerts may be triggered, for example, by calls from so-called “bank representatives” requesting personal information (such as passwords or card PINs) or payments with gift cards, or by requesting that users transfer money to them immediately. These requests are not uncommon from legitimate banks. As per Google, the talks that Gemini Nano monitors will stay secret because these additional protections are all on-device.

No information has been released on the availability of the scam detection feature, but Google states that more information will be shared “later this year” and that users must opt in to use it.

There’s always an opportunity of falling victim to a scam, even if some people may find it easy to spot them following years of awareness efforts and readily available advice on how to avoid them. According to a survey released by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance in October of last year, 1 in 4 people worldwide lost over $1 trillion to scams or identity theft in the previous year.

Thus, although there are many individuals who would find this technology helpful, compatibility may restrict its use. According to its developer support website, Gemini Nano is presently only compatible with the Samsung S24 series and Google Pixel 8 Pro.