Ask HN: Would you install a scam call detector on your parent's phone?

5 points by aydin212 178 days ago | 5 comments

Google built scam call detection for Pixel, but most Android users don't have it. Thinking about building this for all Android phones - AI runs on-device, no cloud. Main use case: adult children installing it on elderly parents' phones. Is this useful or too invasive? Anyone dealt with parents getting scam calls?

gus_massa 177 days ago |

Here in Argentina (Buenos Aires), the copper landlines are too old, so when your landline collapse the telephone company gives you a mobile telephone disguised as a landline telephone. I guess it has a small or no battery, and some geographic restriction (like 1/4 mile around your home?).

For the end user it's a landline phone. For the telephone company is just a mobile phone.

My guess is that under the hood they are running android.

> Is this useful or too invasive?

Yes to both. It's a hard problem.

illwrks 178 days ago |

Not sure how the google one works, but does this introduce more risk?

If the parent is aware that your 'app block scam calls' does that make them more likely to believe a scam caller, if one get's through your screening?

Whereas if you educate the parent about the persistence and ever increasing complexity of scams, and they experience the calls and are competent to dismiss them, you make them more aware and more resilient in future - Scam awareness training of sorts.

aydin212 178 days ago | |

Fair point — false sense of security is a real risk. The idea isn't to replace awareness, but to add a safety net. Even trained people slip up when caught off guard. But you're right that it shouldn't be install and forget.

NetworkPerson 178 days ago |

Something to listen in on live calls seems kinda creepy to be honest and would be abused far past your use case.

I’ve used RoboKiller before for myself. It did a fantastic job at nuking most every spam call. Maybe that would work for you?

aydin212 178 days ago | |

RoboKiller blocks known spam numbers, but new scam numbers slip through daily. The idea here is detecting scam tactics during the call — urgency, pressure, "act now" language — not just the number. But I hear you on the creepy factor.