Vivo Could Be Next to Get Google's Scam Detection Feature
After Pixel and Samsung, Vivo phones might soon display scam warnings during calls.
1Google's Scam Detection Technology
Google's Scam Detection feature identifies potential fraud patterns during phone calls using on-device AI. The system detects suspicious requests like demands for gift card payments. Available on Pixel phones for years, it recently expanded to Samsung's Galaxy S26 series. New evidence suggests Vivo could be the third Android manufacturer to adopt this security feature, according to an Android Authority teardown of Google's Phone app.
2Is Vivo Next in Line?
App analysis by Android Authority revealed traces of Vivo in version 234.0.9 of Google's Phone app. Strong evidence indicates the codenamed 'Sharpie' Scam Detection feature will come to Vivo devices, making it the third Android brand with this protection. It remains unclear whether the feature will appear in Vivo's native dialer or Google's app, though Vivo typically uses Google's dialer in global markets while maintaining its own in China.
3Which Vivo Models Will Get It?
Vivo hasn't officially announced which models will receive Scam Detection. Industry leaks suggest the rumored X500 series might debut the feature, with possible rollout to X300 models later. Given Vivo's use of Google's dialer outside China, the feature will likely arrive through that app rather than Vivo's proprietary solution. This mirrors Samsung's implementation where Scam Detection works through Samsung's own phone app.
4How It Works
Scam Detection operates in the background during calls, analyzing conversation patterns for fraud indicators. When detecting potential scams (like requests for banking information), it displays on-screen warnings with audio and haptic alerts. The system doesn't activate for contacts in your address book. All processing occurs on-device without cloud data transmission, maintaining user privacy while providing real-time protection against evolving phone scams.
5Industry Impact
Google expanding this technology to more Android manufacturers could raise mobile security standards. Phone scams caused over $1 billion in losses in just the US during 2023. The feature reportedly reduced fraud reports by 30% on Pixel devices. With Samsung already onboard and Vivo potentially joining, Android's security perimeter would strengthen significantly across price segments, benefiting millions of additional users worldwide.
6User Experience
With Scam Detection active, users receive immediate warnings during suspicious calls - like when someone requests sensitive information. The system particularly protects vulnerable groups including elderly users. Google's data shows it most frequently detects fake tech support and tax debt scams. The unobtrusive but effective warnings help prevent financial losses while educating users about common fraud tactics in real-time.
7Technology's Future
The AI model powering Scam Detection learns from millions of fraud cases. Google will likely expand this technology to SMS and other communication channels. A patented system could enable Google Assistant to actively block scam attempts during calls. Such advancements may begin a new era in combating cybercrime, with on-device AI becoming standard protection against increasingly sophisticated social engineering attacks.
8Android Security Milestone
Scam Detection's expansion to three major Android manufacturers marks a turning point for mobile security. Beyond protecting individuals, the technology could prevent sophisticated attacks targeting banks and government agencies. Experts predict all premium Android phones will incorporate similar protections by 2025, potentially challenging iOS's traditional security dominance. This ecosystem-wide approach creates stronger collective defense against organized cybercrime networks.
Original article: Android Authority — Vivo, Google'ın Dolandırıcılık Tespit Özelliğini Alacak