These smartphone features will protect against AI fraud: Google and Apple have introduced several safety tools—how do they work?

While artificial intelligence has simplified our daily tasks, the risks associated with it are also rising. Cybercriminals and fraudsters are increasingly leveraging AI. According to a report by cybersecurity firm Vectra, a 1,210 percent increase in AI-assisted fraud has been recorded for the year 2025.

Since a large number of online scams and cyber frauds occur via mobile phones, Google and Apple have integrated smart safety features into their operating systems to protect users from various types of fraud. Many of these features utilize on-device AI technology to provide real-time alerts. Let’s explore how they work...

What security features are available on Android?
1. Fake Call Detection
The fake call detection feature tops this list. It issues a warning if a call appears to come from a saved contact but the caller is not the actual person associated with that number. It also helps identify suspicious calls in scenarios such as call forwarding.
This feature is available on devices running Android 12 or later that use the Google Phone app and is enabled by default. You can also activate it by navigating to 'Caller ID & spam' within the Phone app's settings.

2. Scam Detection
This feature can issue a warning if a suspicious situation arises during a call—such as the other party asking for personal information.
This facility is available to users on the Google Pixel 9 and newer models. Additionally, the feature is included in the Samsung S26 and other flagship phones.
You can find this feature listed as 'Scam detection' within the Phone app's settings.

3. Virtual Assistant Handling Calls
When receiving a call from an unknown number, some devices offer a 'Call Screen' or 'Call Assist' option. Selecting this allows a virtual assistant to handle the call on your behalf. After the call ends, the user can also view its transcript or recording. This feature is available on select Google and Samsung devices.

4. Scam warnings in messages
Google Messages can identify suspicious messages. A "Likely a scam" warning appears above such messages, alerting the user that the message might be suspicious.
To use this feature, go to Message settings and tap on "Protection and Safety." From there, you can enable it under "Spam protection."

5. OTPs secured from other apps
In Android 17, features like WebOTP and SMS Retriever help keep OTPs safe from unauthorized apps.
Once an OTP is received in a message, the system can hide it from such apps for up to three hours. This reduces the risk of a suspicious or unauthorized app accessing the OTP.

What features are available for iPhone users?
iPhone users also get several scam detection features, such as:

1. Screening unknown calls
The iPhone can automatically screen calls from unknown numbers. It can answer the call and ask the caller for their name and the reason for the call. The user can then decide whether or not to pick up.

To use this feature, first go to your phone's settings. Then, navigate to the Apps section and select the Phone app. Here, you will see the "Screen Unknown Callers" option; tap on it and enable or select the "Ask Reason for Calling" option.

2. Links in spam messages won't open directly
The iPhone prevents links contained in messages from unknown senders from opening directly. To open such a link, you must copy and paste it into a browser or mark the message as safe.
This reduces the risk of accidentally tapping a link in a suspicious message and falling victim to a scam.

3. Messages from unknown senders will be kept separate
iPhones can segregate messages from known contacts and unknown senders. Notifications for messages from unknown senders are suppressed, which helps minimize the nuisance caused by suspicious messages.

To access this feature, first open the Messages app on your phone. Then, tap on the 'Filters' option and select 'Manage Filtering'. Here, you will see an option for 'Unknown Senders'; enabling or selecting this allows you to separate messages from unknown senders.

Why are these features important?
Fraud methods involving AI are constantly evolving. In this context, merely identifying a suspicious call or message is not enough; it is also crucial for users to receive timely warnings. These features from Google and Apple provide an additional layer of security in this regard.

However, no security feature should be considered a guarantee of 100% protection. Users must still exercise caution when dealing with unknown calls, suspicious links, OTPs, and the sharing of personal information.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we modified it for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.