Google’s AI unleashes powerful scam-busting features for Android

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leveraging advanced tools like generative AI to con unsuspecting victims. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, mobile consumers worldwide lose over $1 trillion annually to scams. To combat this growing threat, Google is rolling out cutting-edge AI-powered scam detection features for Android users.

Google has introduced two innovative AI-powered scam detection features to protect Android users from increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts. The first feature, Scam Detection in Google Messages, enhances the existing Spam Protection functionality. This new tool utilizes on-device AI to identify suspicious patterns in SMS, MMS, and RCS messages. When a message appears suspicious, users receive a real-time warning with options to dismiss, report, or block the sender. All message processing occurs directly on the user’s device to ensure privacy. The feature is currently available in English for users in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

The second feature, Scam Detection for phone calls, addresses the growing issue of phone scams. Google’s Scam Detection for calls employs on-device AI models to analyze calls in real time. If a call is identified as a potential scam, users receive audio and visual warnings alerting them to the risk. This feature prioritizes user privacy by processing call audio ephemerally without storing or sharing any data. It is currently available to Pixel 9+ users in the United States.

While Google’s efforts are impressive, there are additional steps you can take to protect yourself from scams. It is essential to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices to safeguard yourself from malicious links that can install malware. Turning on two-factor authentication, regularly updating your software and devices, using strong and unique passwords, and being cautious about sharing sensitive information are also crucial steps in staying ahead of scammers.

Investing in personal data removal services can also help remove your personal information from people-search websites, making it harder for scammers to target you. By combining these tools and practicing personal vigilance, you can stay one step ahead of scammers. Google’s AI-powered scam detection features are a significant step forward in mobile security, but it is important to supplement these with additional security measures to protect your personal information from evolving scam tactics.