The organization enhances awareness of digital threats and the methods it employs to ensure your safety.
What you need to know
– Google has released an updated advisory on fraud and scams in advance of its first Scams Summit.
– The advisory highlighted significant scam tactics involving customer support, package tracking, and toll roads.
– In recent months, Google has been implementing updates to its Phone and Messages app, offering enhanced scam protections for Android users.
Google is revising its advisories regarding online dangers to more effectively educate users on what they (and the company) should monitor.
In anticipation of Google’s first Scams Summit today (May 28), the company shared an updated advisory, detailing the most common scams online. While the announcement underscores Google’s initiatives to fight a broad spectrum of scams, a few are still targeting online users, particularly customer support scams. These scams involve malicious individuals masquerading as “genuine support” to obtain your personal data.
Google advises users to be vigilant against these threats while browsing the internet; however, Chrome could provide some assistance.
Although the company has “long prevented ads” from third-party assistance, Chrome recently incorporated Gemini integration (specifically, Gemini Nano) to enhance the detection and blocking of possible scam attempts.
Moreover, Google highlights that text messages remain a significant area for scams. Package tracking scams are notably prevalent, often deceiving users into thinking they need to “pay extra charges.” Another type of scam relates to toll roads. Google indicates that this attack shares several traits with package tracking scams, probably due to being “orchestrated by the same malicious actor groups.”
For both types of scams, Google mentions that its Messages app has recently acquired real-time detection features to alert/warn users before incidents occur.
Google Enhances its Safeguards
In addition, Google has raised awareness about Malvertising and counterfeit travel websites in its updated advisory report. Both tactics are frequently in play while browsing, impacting ads viewed through Google Search. The company asserts it is concentrating more on eliminating these aggressors, taking necessary actions against violators of its online policies.
May was full of Google’s efforts to strengthen its security/defensive measures against harmful users while browsing. A few weeks ago, Google Chrome received an update that introduced AI-driven warnings in the browser on Android. Thanks to Gemini, Chrome now notifies users about potential scams/threats. Additionally, Chrome will assess notifications to determine if they are malicious as well.
As I/O 2025 approaches, Google’s Android Show showcased the company’s new scam protections for calls and texts. One significant focus was Google’s commitment to enhancing Android’s software so it can “prevent certain actions” if it suspects you might be engaged in a call scam. The Messages app has been improved with the capability to recognize new scams, such as toll road billing, cryptocurrency, financial impersonation, and more.
These enhancements build upon Google’s March feature release, which introduced vital security updates.
