New Google feature flags when you might be getting scammed in real time

(NEXSTAR) – Google is rolling out new, AI-powered tools to help stop scammers in their tracks, before they get your data or money. The company announced the new features, available on some Android and Pixel phones, this week.

The two features each work to identify and warn you of a possible scam while it's unfolding, either over text or on a phone call.

An example of how the scam detection tool works, shared by Google in a press release. (Photo: Google)

When it comes to texting, the AI tool looks for suspicious patterns in Google Messages and alerts you when it appears the exchange is a likely scam. A pop-up message will appear, and you'll have the choice of ignoring it and continuing the conversation or reporting and blocking the sender.

The texting tool will be enabled by default, but users can turn it off in their settings if they choose. It only activates when you're having a conversation with someone who is not saved as a contact.

It works similarly when you're on a phone call: AI models will listen in and analyze the conversation in progress. If the conversation seems to be following a typical scam pattern, like someone is trying to get you to buy a bunch of gift cards and deliver them, you'll get an audio and haptic notification warning you the call may be a scam.

Unlike the text message detector, this one is turned off by default and you'll have to switch it on if you'd like it to work on your phone. It's being rolled out as an option for Pixel 9 users.

Both scam detection features protect users' privacy, Google says, by only processing the conversations on the device. If you do choose to report a conversation after it's flagged, only the sender or caller's details, and the text message exchange in question, will be shared with Google and the phone carrier.

If your phone doesn't have these features, or you choose not to enable them, there are other ways you can avoid being scammed and taken advantage of. The Federal Communications Commission advises you always verify who you're speaking to, don't answer calls from unknown numbers, don't give out personal information over the phone and use caution anytime you're rushed or pressed to provide information quickly. When in doubt, trust your gut and hang up if a conversation feels fishy.

Topics

PlayStation's New Beta Program Will Let You Test New Console Features Early

PlayStation has unveiled a new beta program that will make it easier to access game betas, test out new PS5 and PlayStation App features early, and more.. Aptly called the "Beta Program at ...
GameSpot - 1d
When is the correct time to diagnose dementia?

Pin-prick blood tests that detect possible precursors of Alzheimer’s disease are becoming available – but is it right to label people who will never develop the disease?. It’s difficult to say when ...
The Guardian - Feb. 23
Medical training’s AI leap: How agentic RAG, open-weight LLMs and real-time case insights are shaping a new generation of doctors at NYU Langone

NYU Langone has built an LLM research companion and medical advisor, and is pioneering what it calls AI-driven “precision medical education."
VentureBeat - Feb. 20
Google’s Sergey Brin Asks Workers to Spend More Time In the Office

The tech giant’s co-founder said that if employees worked harder and were in the office more, the company could reach an artificial general intelligence breakthrough.
The New York Times - 6d
EA Teases New College Football 26 Features

EA Sports College Football 25 was a huge success for the company, and the franchise is coming back this year with potentially even more features that the studio didn't get into 2024's game.. EA ...
GameSpot - Feb. 27
It might be a small consolation, but Elon Musk is getting poorer by the day | John Naughton

As his goons root through the innards of the US government, Tesla sales are plummeting, the cars are being defaced and owners are ashamed. Extreme wealth has always played a role in democracies. ...
The Guardian - 5d
Will your tax preparer save you money or make costly mistakes? Look for these red flags.

How to make sure you get what you pay for.
MarketWatch - Feb. 22
The New York City Subway Is Using Google Pixels to Listen for Track Defects

New York City's transit authority is one of a few US systems experimenting with using sensors and AI to improve track inspections.
Wired - Feb. 27
Google’s Taara Hopes to Usher in a New Era of Internet Powered by Light

The Alphabet “moonshot” project is launching a new chip to deliver high-speed internet with light instead of radio waves.
Wired - 6d