More people are falling victim to scams through phone calls and text messages, according to Google. To combat this rising issue, the company is launching two AI-powered scam detection features for Android users.
In a press release, Google revealed that it had partnered with financial institutions worldwide to better understand the most common and sophisticated scams that customers face. As a result, the company has developed AI models that can identify these conversational scams and warn Android users, all while prioritising privacy.
Scam detection in google messages
“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. When the on-device AI detects a suspicious pattern in SMS, MMS, and RCS messages, users will now get a message warning of a likely scam with an option to dismiss or report and block the sender”, Google explains.
Scam Detection on Google Messages will be activated by default when the conversation is with non-contacts. Those reporting a conversation to help reduce widespread spam will only share sender details and recent messages with that sender with Google and carriers. Those not wishing to use the Spam Protection, including Scam Detection, can deactivate the feature in Google Messages at any time. At the moment, the feature is launching in English first in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. It is set to expand to more countries soon.
Scam detection in phone calls
In addition to Scam Detection in Messages, English-speaking Pixel 9+ users in the U.S. will now also be able to use the Scam Detection in Phone feature.
“We use AI models processed on-device to analyse conversations in real-time and warn users of potential scams. If a caller, for example, 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 writes.
According to the company, call audio will only be processed ephemerally. This means no conversation audio or transcription will be recorded, stored on the device, or sent to Google or third parties. Contrary to Scam Detection in Messages, Scam Detection in Phone will be off by default, giving users control over the feature. Similarly to Scam Detection in Messages, it will only apply to calls that could potentially be scams and will thus never be used during calls with contacts.
Just weeks ago, Google revealed that more than 1 billion Chrome users are now using the Enhanced Protection mode of Safe Browsing in their web browser.
