Google has introduced new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered scam detection features aimed at enhancing the security of Android users. These features specifically target conversational scams, which often begin as harmless interactions but can escalate into harmful situations. Scammers increasingly use spoofing techniques to disguise their real phone numbers, making it difficult for users to identify fraudulent calls. Google’s new system, which runs on-device, is designed to flag suspicious patterns in real-time conversations without compromising user privacy.
The system works by alerting users to potential scams during phone conversations, enabling them to either dismiss, report, or block the sender.
This feature is enabled by default, applying only to contacts that are not saved in the user’s phone. By leveraging AI models, Google has collaborated with financial institutions to refine its scam detection capabilities, allowing for more accurate identification of common scam tactics. These models operate entirely on the user’s device, ensuring that sensitive conversations remain private, and only reports of spam are shared with Google and carriers if users choose to report the conversation.
Additionally, the feature will be available initially in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada in English, with plans for a broader rollout in the future.
Alongside scam detection in messaging, Google is also expanding its scam detection features for phone calls to all English-speaking Pixel 9+ users in the U.S. The scam detection system will notify users with a beep during calls, providing a transparent and non-invasive way of preventing scams while giving users control over the feature, which can be toggled on or off.
This initiative follows Google’s earlier launch of the Enhanced Protection mode in Chrome, which now protects over 1 billion users. The Safe Browsing system employs advanced AI and machine learning to identify and block dangerous URLs that may lead to phishing, social engineering, or scam-related threats. With these measures, Google continues to bolster its efforts in safeguarding users’ personal information and enhancing privacy while ensuring a smooth user experience.
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