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By Joe Edwards
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Google has launched new AI-powered scam detection features to protect Android and Pixel users from increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts.
The features, integrated into Google Messages and Phone by Google, will leverage artificial intelligence to identify suspicious text and call patterns in real time, providing users with warnings before they fall victim to scams.
Newsweek reached out to Google via email for comment.
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Why It Matters
As scams have become more manipulative, Google argues that traditional spam protection methods are insufficient.
"Scammers used increasingly sophisticated tactics and generative AI-powered tools to steal more than $1 trillion from mobile consumers globally," Google said in a blog post on Tuesday, citing data from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance.
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What To Know
The new Scam Detection feature in Google Messages builds on the platform's existing spam protections, aiming to detect fraudulent conversations as they unfold. Google's AI models analyze text messages in real time, flagging messages that follow common scam patterns. If a message appears suspicious, users receive a warning with the option to report, block, or dismiss the alert.
"Scam Detection in Google Messages uses powerful Google AI to proactively address conversational scams by providing real-time detection even after initial messages are received," Google explained.
Google is also expanding its scam detection technology to phone calls. The Scam Detection feature in Phone by Google, initially launched in beta for United States-based English-speaking users on Pixel devices, has been enhanced with Gemini Nano, Google's AI model optimized for on-device processing.
When a scam is detected, the phone will issue audio and haptic notifications alongside an on-screen warning.
"If a caller tries to get you to provide payment via gift cards to complete a delivery, Scam Detection will alert you through audio and haptic notifications and display a warning on your phone that the call may be a scam," Google said.
The move to enhance scam protections comes as fraudulent activities continue to rise. According to Google, more than half of Americans reported receiving at least one scam call per day in 2024.
What People Are Saying
Google, in a blog post: "According to our research and a Scam Detection beta user survey, these types of alerts have already helped people be more cautious on the phone, detect suspicious activity, and avoid falling victim to conversational scams."
What Happens Next
Google said the scam detection feature for messages is initially rolling out in English for users in the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Canada, with plans to expand to more regions soon.
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