As scammers evolve and become increasingly clever, Google is enhancing its initiatives to protect Android users. The tech giant has unveiled two innovative AI-driven scam detection tools that will be integrated into Google Messages and Phone by Google.
These cutting-edge tools are designed to deliver real-time defense against conversational scams. Unlike conventional spam filters that merely block dubious numbers before a chat begins, these tools actively oversee ongoing conversations and issue immediate alerts if any fraudulent activity is identified.
Text message scams have significantly advanced over the years, with scammers employing social engineering techniques to deceive their targets. In light of this, Google Messages is introducing Scam Detection, leveraging on-device AI to scrutinize SMS, MMS, and RCS messages for signs of fraud.
When a potentially harmful message is identified, users will receive a notification, allowing them to block or report the sender. Because Scam Detection operates entirely on the device, Google assures that user privacy is safeguarded, and the company does not retain or access any conversation data.
This feature is automatically activated for non-contacts and is currently being introduced in English to users in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, with plans for further expansion to additional countries in the future. In addition to these new safety measures, Google is launching Gemini live video and screen sharing for Android devices this month.
Phone scams are increasingly difficult to identify, as scammers employ spoofed numbers and false identities to deceive their targets. To address this issue, Google’s Scam Detection in Phone utilizes AI technology to analyze conversations in real-time, pinpointing common scam strategies such as fake prize notifications, IRS threats, and fraudulent tech support offers.
When the AI identifies possible fraudulent activity, the phone provides audio alerts, vibrations, and visual warnings. For instance, if a caller asks for payment via gift cards—a frequent scam method—users will receive a cautionary alert.
Scam Detection for calls is integrated into Pixel 9 and later models, operating entirely on the device to guarantee that no audio is recorded or transmitted to Google. Unlike the messaging protection feature, call Scam Detection is not automatically activated, so you’ll need to turn it on manually.
