Pixel users are about to get more protection from scammers
Code hidden in the Phone by Google app reveals more protection from scammers is coming to Pixel users.
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Code reveals new scam protection for Pixel users | Image by Google
Pixel Scam Detection is a feature that monitors the incoming calls made to your Pixel device in real time. The conversation is analyzed in an attempt to find verbal clues that would indicate that a caller is looking to pull off a scam. There are certain things that a caller might do that is a dead giveaway of their true intentions, and the Scam Detection feature is supposed to give you a heads up warning that you're being targeted.
Scammers try to play with your emotions
When a scammer is on the phone with you, they are trying to play with your emotions. Their goal is to get you to be so fearful about a threat they mention, that you throw all caution to the wind and hand over your passwords. Again, this takes place with incoming phone calls. But aren't you just as vulnerable when you are the one who initiated the call?
According to Android Authority, Google is working on a version of the Pixel Scam Detector that will protect Pixel users on outgoing calls. In a recent beta version of the Phone by Google app, Android Authority found a flag connected to an option to enable Sharpie, which is the internal codename for the Scam Detection feature.
The spotted code reveals that Google is testing Scam Detection for outgoing calls
How can anyone be sure that the code is for outgoing calls? This is the code that was discovered: "enableSharpieOnOutgoingCalls." This is obviously self-explanatory. It also is important for Pixel users to have the same protection on calls they make.
The Scam Detection feature on the Pixel 6 Pro. | Image by PhoneArena
Why it is important to have the outgoing calls on your Pixel protected by Scam Detection
What is your number one reason for buying a Pixel 11 series model?
Scammers looking to avoid getting outed by the Pixel Scam Detection feature could set up a situation where they have a Pixel user call them, leading to the scam. With Pixel Scam Detecton available for outgoing calls, this workaround for scammers would also be cut off by Google.
It is unclear when Google plans to release Pixel Scam Detection for outgoing calls
The code that was discovered is a good sign that Google does plan to add Pixel Scam Detection for outgoing calls. However, it isn't clear when Google will launch this feature for Pixel users when they initiate a call. Until that happens, Pixel users are still covered by the Scam Detection feature on incoming calls.
Stories about Pixel features are cool, aren't they? Here are some more you can read:
- Some new Pixel 11 features are powered by Gemini Intelligence
- Camera upgrades for the Pixel 11 series
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