Phone scam-protection settings differ across iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy. They can identify or block some callers, warn about suspicious calls or messages, or—according to reports about iOS 27—assess certain sensitive actions in supported apps. Start with the controls your phone offers, then treat any alert as a reason to verify—not as a substitute for it.
| Phone feature | What it checks | When it acts | Key limitation |
| iPhone: Impersonation Risk Detection | A reported risk assessment for certain sensitive actions in participating apps | When a user is about to take an action such as making a payment or changing account security | Only supported apps can request an assessment; the reported “Unknown” level is not a safety guarantee. |
| Pixel: call Scam Detection | Speech patterns associated with potential scams | During a call | Google says the feature cannot detect every scam; it is opt-in and limited by device and market eligibility. |
| Pixel: Google Messages Scam Detection | Patterns in supported message notifications | When a suspicious message arrives | Country and device availability varies; Google describes coverage in aggregate. |
| Galaxy: Smart Call | Caller ID and suspected spam or scam calls | When a call comes in, with options to block calls | Availability can vary by model and carrier; blocking all identified calls can also stop wanted calls. |
| Galaxy: AI Scam Detection | Potential scam calls | During a call, with an alert | Samsung’s stated software requirements are Android 16 and One UI 8.5 or higher. |
iPhone: check the reported iOS 27 setting
A feature reported for iOS 27, Impersonation Risk Detection, gives participating apps a risk assessment for certain sensitive actions. The reported levels are Unknown, Medium, and High. An app can use the result to warn you, request identity verification, or delay an action.
The reported route is Settings > Privacy & Security > Impersonation Risk Detection > Share with App Developers. App Store sign-in may be requested. Recent app requests can reportedly be reviewed, and access can be revoked for individual apps. Changes may take up to 24 hours to take effect. This is an app-dependent risk check, not blanket filtering for iPhone calls and messages.
Samsung Galaxy: separate caller blocking from call alerts
Galaxy phones have two distinct call protections. Smart Call identifies suspected spam or scam callers and offers blocking choices. AI Scam Detection can alert you during a potential scam call on eligible devices.
Set up Smart Call
- Open the Phone app and tap More options.
- Choose Settings > Caller ID and spam protection.
- Turn on the service, then choose Block all spam and scam calls or Only block high-risk scam calls.
The high-risk option allows less severe spam calls through. Samsung says Smart Call may not be available on every model or carrier. Blocking all flagged calls can also keep wanted callers from reaching you.
Check AI Scam Detection
On eligible phones, open Phone > More options > Settings > Scam detection. Samsung’s U.S. guide says the feature requires Android 16 with One UI 8.5 or higher and is on by default on eligible phones. You can choose a tone, vibration, or both for alerts, then decide whether to answer or block a flagged call.
Google Pixel: check call and message detection
Pixel call Scam Detection and Google Messages Scam Detection address different points in a scam attempt. Google says call detection is opt-in, processes calls on the device, and does not apply to calls with contacts. It also says the processed conversation is neither stored on the device nor shared outside it.
For a U.S. Pixel, Google lists call Scam Detection on eligible Pixel 6 and later devices, with model-specific exceptions. Google also named 11 other countries in its February 25, 2026 announcement: the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Spain. The announcement does not give a model threshold for each of those markets.
Turn on call Scam Detection
The reported menu path is Phone > menu > Settings > Scam Detection. Because the feature is opt-in, check this setting if you want call warnings; availability depends on the eligible phone and market.
Check message Scam Detection
The reported route is Settings > Security & privacy > More security & privacy > Scam Detection > Message scams. Google says Google Messages Scam Detection is available in more than 20 countries and supports English, Arabic, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. Those aggregate figures do not specify availability for every country or device.
When a warning appears—or does not
Do not rely on caller ID alone: numbers can be spoofed, and call blocking or labeling can miss scams. If someone claims to represent a bank, delivery service, or other organization and urges you to act, end the conversation and contact that organization through its official app, website, or a number you obtain independently. Never give an unsolicited caller your password, PIN, or verification code.
T-Mobile customers can dial #662# from a T-Mobile device to turn on the carrier’s Scam Block for calls it identifies as “Scam Likely.” The code is specific to T-Mobile, not a general iPhone or Android setting. The FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry is intended to reduce lawful telemarketing calls; it does not stop scammers.
