Due to the growing scams and frauds online, we often get suspicious on receiving a text from an unknown source, either via SMS or on messaging apps. A few messages look authentic, but could lead you to fraudulent sites or may cause identity/financial theft.
Various tactics and solutions are introduced to overcome these risks, and now Google has also introduced a new way to protect its users.
Scam message detection
In a recent blog post, the company revealed that it has added new capabilities to Circle to Search and Google Lens that help you spot scam messages so you can avoid getting deceived.
How to spot a scam message with Circle to Search?
- Long-press the home button or navigation bar of your Android device
- Circle the suspicious text
After you follow these steps, Google’s systems will use AI and information from the web to assess whether the message is likely a scam. You will see an overview with guidance and insights, including suggested next steps.
How to spot a scam message with Google Lens?
- Take a screenshot of the message you feel suspicious about
- Open Lens in the Google app
- Tap the screenshot
You will get to know whether the message is a scam or not, along with an overview with guidance, and suggested next steps.
The capability is available globally in Circle to search and Lens, and is said to appear when Google’s system has high confidence in the quality of the response.
