Google has announced two new AI-powered scam detection features for calls and text messages on Android devices. The goal is to protect users from sophisticated scams that may seem harmless at first but can quickly turn into riskier territory.
The first feature, scam detection for messages, is now enabled by default in Google’s Messages app. This option uses real-time AI detection to identify suspicious conversations and warns the user with the option to dismiss or report the sender. The detection works with SMS, MMS, and RCS messages and only affects conversations with people not in the contact list.
The second feature, scam detection for phone calls, is currently a limited beta available on Pixel 9 devices in the US. This option also uses AI to analyze conversations in real time and warns the user of potential scams through audio, haptic, and on-screen notifications. The feature will only kick in if the user is not speaking with a contact, ensuring the user’s privacy.
Google promises that both features will protect users’ private information and only share sender details and recent texts with the mobile carrier and Google as needed. Both features are currently rolling out in English across the US, UK, and Canada, with plans to expand to other countries soon.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/androids-ai-is-scanning-your-phone-for-scam-activity-now-in-two-ways