AI will now detect scam call signs during conversations:8 smartphone features that protect you from suspicious calls, messages, and apps

While AI has made work easier, it has also opened new avenues for fraudsters. According to cybersecurity company Vectra, AI-enabled fraud increased by 1,210% in 2025.
Since many of these scams take place through mobile phones, Google and Apple have introduced features that help protect users from suspicious calls, messages, links, and apps. Many of these features work directly on the phone with the help of AI. Know these security features on Android 1. Fake Call Detection If you receive a call from a saved number but the caller is not actually the person they claim to be, this feature alerts you. It can also help identify suspicious calls in situations such as call forwarding. It is available on devices running Android 12 or later with the Google Phone app. This feature is enabled by default. Where to find it: Phone app >>> Settings >> Caller ID spam 2. Scam Detection During a call, the phone warns you if it detects a suspicious situation and advises you not to share personal information. It is available on Google’s Pixel 9 and later models. It is also available on the Samsung S26 and other flagship phones. Where to find it: Phone app >> Settings >> Scam Detection 3. Virtual assistant will handle the call When you receive a call, you can select the Call Screen or Call Assist option. A virtual assistant then handles the call on your behalf. After the call ends, you can also view its transcript or recording. This feature is available on select Google and Samsung devices. 4. Scam warnings in messages Google Messages identifies suspicious messages and displays a ‘Likely a Scam’ warning. How to enable it: Google Messages >> Messages settings >> Protection Safety >>> Spam protection >> Enable 5. Hide OTPs from other apps In Android 17, features such as WebOTP and SMS Retriever can help hide OTPs from unauthorised apps. After identifying an OTP received through a message, the system can keep it hidden from such apps for up to three hours. iPhone also has scam detection features — here’s how to enable them 1. Screen unknown calls For calls from unknown numbers, the iPhone can automatically answer the call and ask the caller for their name and the reason for calling. How to enable it: Settings > Apps >> Phone >>> Screen Unknown Callers >> Ask Reason for Calling 2. Spam messages are automatically separated The iPhone prevents links in messages from unknown senders from being opened directly. To open the link, you need to copy and paste it into a browser or mark the message as safe. This reduces the risk of falling victim to a scam directly through a message. 3. Messages from unknown people are separated The iPhone keeps messages from known and unknown senders separate. You will not receive notifications for messages from unknown senders. How to enable it: Messages >> Filter >> Manage Filtering >> Screen Unknown Senders