**Google** has announced a significant upgrade to **Android**'s security framework, introducing new AI-driven defenses designed to combat the rising tide of mobile scams. These measures are currently being deployed to eligible devices, addressing the growing complexity of threats that now include sophisticated voice-cloning attacks and fraudulent bank alerts. According to **Google**, traditional scam detection methods are struggling to keep pace with evolving threats. "Mobile scams have evolved far beyond basic robocalls and phishing texts, turning into sophisticated operations that use spoofed numbers, fake bank alerts, and AI voice cloning," **Google** stated. The company acknowledges that it's "nearly impossible for users to catch every red flag themselves." While **Google**'s existing Phone and Messages scam detection already flags over 5 million suspected scam calls and texts monthly, the new enhancements are expected to significantly boost these figures. ### Cloud-Based Scam Analysis with Gemini The core of these new protections lies in **Google Messages**, where cloud-based analysis, powered by **Gemini**, will scrutinize complex conversations for signs of fraud. This system operates within a secure **Private AI Compute** environment, ensuring user privacy by analyzing interactions with unknown senders without compromising personal data. Additionally, the new mode incorporates on-device **Gemini Nano**, a local AI model, to check unfamiliar links using real-time web signals. Users will also receive clearer warnings before opening links from unsaved numbers. These cloud-based protections are initially disabled by default, allowing users to activate them as needed.  **Scam alert on Messages** *Source: Google* ### Broader Android System Enhancements Beyond **Google Messages**, **Google** has implemented system-wide improvements across **Android**: * **Expanded On-Device Scam Detection:** Previously exclusive to **Pixel** devices, on-device scam detection in chat notifications will be rolled out to hundreds of millions more users via **Android** device partners later this year. * **Sensitive Information Masking:** **Android**'s existing feature for masking sensitive information is expanding to **Chrome** and **Android WebView**, automatically hiding login fields and payment screens during live screen sharing sessions. * **Call Forwarding Protection:** **Android** will now block applications from silently enabling call forwarding in the background. Users will also receive warnings before manually entered **MMI** (Man-Machine Interface) forwarding codes take effect, preventing malicious redirection of calls.  **Call forwarding warning** *Source: Google* **Google** is also expanding its verified bank calls system, initially introduced earlier this year, to include more financial institutions globally. This system authenticates incoming calls from legitimate bank call centers, automatically terminating calls identified as spoofing attempts. Since June, this system has blocked over 3 million fraudulent calls for **Banco do Brasil** and **Itaú Unibanco** alone, with support for **Revolut** and other international financial institutions also in place. Users are advised to keep their **Android** devices updated, ensure all applications are current, and independently verify the identity of callers or senders when prompted for sensitive information or account actions.