Google will protect you from the most common text message scams

Google has released an update to its Messages app that strives to end fraud once and for all. The tech giant has introduced new measures that will prevent users from falling victim to common scams such as alleged orjob offers or package delivery. Once updated, the messaging app will block these messages from reaching your inbox.

The company announced new security features that will appear in the Messages app for Android. As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Google said it uses AI-powered filters and advanced security to detect more than 2 billion suspicious messages every month. These messages contain all types of content, from scams to phishing or links that redirect to websites with malware.

Google has confirmed that one of the protection measures will focus on fraudulent messages with job offers or package delivery. This scam is one of the most common on messaging clients like WhatsApp and consists of a message with a purported work-from-home vacancy. The offer seems great, but behind it lies a trick designed to steal your money.

To combat this, Google is activating a system that will detect these messages and automatically move them to the Spam folder.. Security filters will analyze content for patterns that indicate whether it is fraudulent. The system relies on machine learning models that run on the device, so Google won’t have access to personal information in your messages.

Google will block suspicious messages from international numbers

Another anti-spam measure involves messages sent from numbers in another country. This tactic, which we also see on WhatsApp, consists of chats from supposed family members or distant friends asking you for money because they have problems. To avoid this, Messages for Android will allow you to hide alerts from these numbers and The content will be moved to the Spam and Blocked folders.With.

Google will also warn you about potentially dangerous links in text messages. The Android app will trigger a notification and immediately block the link in messages from suspicious senders.

Finally, the company announced that will integrate warnings about sensitive content. If someone sends you nudes or package via text message, app will add blur and warn the user who is going to watch porn content. This feature will also work during submission, so notifications will be implemented to warn you that you are about to submit content to those over 18 years of age.

New security features will be available in Messages for Android. Some, such as messages from international senders or warnings about potentially dangerous links, will debut in Asian countries before reaching other markets. Google is also enabling message authentication using contacts’ public keys.