Phishing · AI Security
Google Adds AI Scam Defences to Android Messages and Calls
Google is rolling out new AI-powered protections in Android to detect and block scam calls and texts. The update aims to help users spot fraud attempts and keep their personal information safe.
Ross GrantUpdated 3 min read
The short version
Google is adding new AI-powered protections to Android phones to help block scam calls and texts. The update uses artificial intelligence to spot suspicious messages and warn users about risky links. These features are optional and will be available soon on many Android devices. Users should keep their phones updated and enable the new protections when available.
By the numbers
- 5 million+scam calls and texts flagged monthly by Google Phone and Messages appsCNET
- 40%surveyed adults who are very or extremely concerned about mobile fraudCNET
- 4,500number of adults surveyed by YouGov for GoogleCNET
What happened?
Google is rolling out new AI-powered security features for Android to detect and block scam calls and texts. The main change is an optional enhanced protection mode in Google Messages, which uses both on-device and cloud AI to spot fraud. The update is expected to reach a range of devices in the coming weeks, according to secondary reports.
What Google Is Changing
Google is introducing new security features to Android, using artificial intelligence (AI) to spot and block scams in calls and messages. The main update is an optional "Enhanced protection mode" for the Google Messages app. This mode uses both on-device and cloud-based AI to analyse messages, especially those from unknown senders, for signs of fraud. The rollout will begin in the coming weeks and will reach a range of devices, including older models like the Pixel 6 and newer ones like the Galaxy S26 series. PCMag (opens in a new tab)
How the New Protections Work
The enhanced protection mode builds on scam detection first introduced in March 2025. When enabled, it sends message data (encrypted) to Google's Private AI Compute environment, where AI models look for scam patterns. Google says this keeps user data private and inaccessible to anyone, including Google itself. On newer phones, the on-device Gemini Nano AI model checks links in messages, even if the links are not yet known to be malicious. If you get a link from someone not in your contacts, the app will now give you a warning and a pause before you can open it. PCMag (opens in a new tab) BleepingComputer (opens in a new tab)
Other Security Improvements
Google is also updating call-forwarding protection. The system will now block apps from forwarding your calls without telling you, which stops scammers from intercepting codes or hijacking accounts. Screen sharing has been improved: sensitive information like passwords will be hidden automatically if you share your screen. Scam detection in chat notifications, previously only on Pixel phones, will soon be available on devices from other manufacturers like Motorola and Xiaomi. CNET (opens in a new tab)
The Scale of the Problem
Google says its existing scam detection already flags over 5 million suspected scam calls and texts every month. The company commissioned a YouGov survey of 4,500 adults, finding that 40% are "very" or "extremely" concerned about mobile fraud. The updates come as scams become more sophisticated, with attackers using fake bank alerts, spoofed numbers, and even AI voice cloning. BleepingComputer (opens in a new tab)
What Users Should Do
The new protections are optional and will be off by default. Users should update their Android devices and enable enhanced protection in Google Messages when it becomes available. It is also important to keep apps up to date and be cautious with links or requests from unknown senders. Google advises verifying the identity of anyone asking for sensitive information, especially if the request involves money or account access.
What Is Still Unclear
At the time of writing, these updates have only been reported by secondary sources. Google has not published a primary announcement or technical details. The exact rollout dates and which devices will get every feature are not yet confirmed. Users should watch for official updates from Google in the coming weeks.
Claimed vs confirmed
- Unconfirmed
Google is rolling out AI-powered scam detection for calls and texts on Android.
Reported by PCMag, CNET, and BleepingComputer, but not yet confirmed by a primary source from Google.
The impact
- Money
- If a breach or scam leads to loss of personal data, affected users could face financial harm. Regulators can fine companies up to 4% of global turnover under GDPR for serious failures, but no breach has been reported here.
- Reputation
- Google's reputation for security may improve if these protections prove effective. However, trust could be affected if the features do not work as promised or if privacy concerns arise.
- Customers
- Android users will have new tools to help protect themselves from scams. Users should enable enhanced protection when available and stay alert for suspicious messages or calls.
Why it matters
Mobile scams are becoming more advanced, making it harder for people to spot fraud. These new protections could help millions of Android users avoid falling victim to scams that can steal money or personal information. The update also aims to protect sensitive data during screen sharing and prevent call hijacking.
How does it work?
The enhanced protection mode uses AI models to analyse messages and calls for signs of scams. On-device AI checks links in messages, while cloud-based AI analyses message content in a secure, encrypted environment. The system flags suspicious activity and warns users before they interact with potential scams.
Key points
- Google is adding AI-powered scam detection to Android messages and calls.
- Enhanced protection mode analyses messages for fraud using both device and cloud AI.
- The update will roll out to many Android devices in the coming weeks.
- Users must enable the new protections, they are off by default.
- Mobile scams are getting more sophisticated, making these defences increasingly important.
Sources
PCMag
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CNET
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BleepingComputer
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