The scam detection feature in Google Messages uses AI to analyse incoming SMS, MMS and RCS messages in real time.

As soon as one of them appears potentially fraudulent, an alert appears onscreen, offering the user the option of rejecting the message or reporting and blocking the sender.

Note that this feature is activated by default for conversations with numbers not saved in contacts.

Google is also introducing a scam detection feature for phone calls. This involves real-time analysis of phone conversations using AI models directly on the device.

In the event of a suspicious conversation, audio and haptic notifications are issued, accompanied by a visual warning that the call could be a scam.

These initiatives are aimed at protecting users against the growing number of digital threats, not least with the emergence of new AI-powered tools.

Scam detection in Google Messages is initially being rolled out in English only, in the USA, UK and Canada, and is scheduled to expand to other countries soon.

Scam detection for phone calls is currently in beta in the US, before being officially deployed.

Google also points out that these features involve AI processing on devices, which means they will operate locally, ensuring the confidentiality of users’ conversations.