Your phone can now alert you when a text message appears to be a scam.
Google Lens will now help you quickly identify risky or fraudulent texts.
Google is introducing a new safety feature for Android users that teaches Circle to Search and Google Lens how to recognize scam messages displayed on your screen.
As our messaging apps are frequently bombarded with sophisticated scams—ranging from fake “delivery fee” charges to dubious offers of free money—Google is stepping up to assist users in discerning fraudulent messages at a glance.
The functionality works with a gesture you’re likely already familiar with: simply long-press the home button or navigation bar, trace around the suspicious text, and Google will provide an AI Overview. This response is not just a generic alert; it details the reasons the message appears dangerous by analyzing contextual clues from the web to highlight red flags and suggest your next steps.
If you prefer not to use gestures, the same technology is available in Google Lens. You can take a screenshot of the text, open it in the Lens app, and receive the same immediate analysis. The exciting news is that this feature is being rolled out globally starting this week; there’s no need to await a significant system update like Android 16 for it to arrive. However, Google mentions that warnings will only appear when the system is confident it has identified a possible scam.
Why This Matters & Why You Should Take Note
Let’s face it: scam texts are becoming alarmingly convincing. Malicious actors are now utilizing AI to craft flawless messages that mimic official language and employ psychological tactics to elicit immediate reactions from you. Constant vigilance can be draining, and making a mistake can be costly.
This feature aims to provide you with a “pause” option. Rather than panicking over a text claiming your bank account has been frozen, you receive a calm, AI-supported second opinion. By informing you with statements like “This matches known phishing patterns” or “This message is using urgency to manipulate you,” the tool clarifies the threat in real-time.
Additionally, it respects your privacy, as the entire process occurs on your device without requiring you to send the message to a human reviewer. Alongside other recent Android safety tools, such as the capability to leave spammy group chats instantly, Google is working to create a much safer environment for your everyday communications.
What Comes Next
Google states that this system will continue to improve as it adapts to emerging scam trends. Over time, Circle to Search could evolve into a universal alert system for various digital threats—not just scams in texts, but also dubious websites, QR codes, or fraudulent payment requests.
As scammers leverage AI to become quicker and more intelligent, Google is banking on AI-driven defenses to keep pace. For you, this translates to reduced second-guessing and a more secure inbox, integrated right into the tools you already use.
Moinak Pal has been covering consumer-focused technology and automotive advancements in the sector.
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Your phone can now alert you when a text message appears to be a scam.
Google has now implemented AI in Circle for Search and Lens to identify scam messages, outline risks, and provide users with real-time alerts on Android devices.
