Google rolls out new Android scam protections and Messages upgrades

Google is rolling out several Android scam protections to help users detect and avoid fraudulent schemes. Android already incorporates tools like Advanced Protection Mode, call and text scam detection, and theft detection. Cybersecurity Awareness Month | CISA, Google is expanding these defenses. The updates introduce an Enhanced Protection mode in Google Messages alongside wider OEM support for notification alerts. The company is also adding safeguards against unauthorized call forwarding.

Enhanced Protection and Gemini Nano in Google Messages

Later this month, Google Messages will offer an optional Enhanced Protection mode that users can activate manually. Enabling this mode activates scam detection backed by secure cloud analysis, as well as warnings for links received from unfamiliar numbers. It also uses on-device Gemini Nano machine learning to detect malicious links. Google notes that this link protection differs from the app’s current setup by targeting brand-new domains that have not yet been cataloged in security databases. According to Google, this smarter link protection feature requires a Pixel 10 or newer, a Galaxy S26 series device, Galaxy Z8 foldables, or other select devices.

Broader notification alerts and call safeguards

Google is also expanding Scam Detection in chat notifications to a wide range of devices globally. Previously exclusive to Pixel phones, the feature displays a “likely scam” warning on notifications flagged as potential fraud. Tapping the alert reveals security tips, reminding users not to share personal information and to avoid opening suspicious links or attachments. Google is rolling out this notification defense to phones from third-party manufacturers, including HONOR, Infinix, Motorola, OnePlus, OPPO, TECNO, vivo, and Xiaomi.

Two other updates focus on screen-sharing and phone call redirection. Google already hides login fields and payment screens in native apps during screen sharing. A new automatic privacy update extends that protection to Chrome and the Android System WebView, shielding sensitive details during remote-sharing sessions on devices running Android 15 or newer. Finally, Android will block apps from silently turning on call forwarding in the background. The phone will display an immediate warning if an app or scammer tries to divert calls. Google says this protection prevents scammers from stealing one-time passwords by redirecting carrier verification calls. The call-forwarding warning will begin rolling out in early December on Pixels and other select phones.