Google announced new Android scam protections on October 14, 2026. The headline is an opt-in Enhanced protection mode in Google Messages. The mode taps Google’s most capable cloud Gemini models to judge whether a text from an unknown sender is a scam. Enhanced protection will be rolling out in the coming weeks, according to Google’s announcement.
Google says the analysis runs in Private AI Compute. In that environment, data is encrypted and processed in a secure dedicated space. Google says the data stays inaccessible to anyone else, including Google.
What Enhanced protection mode adds
Scam Detection already ships in Google Messages. Google says it already flags traditional and conversational scams with on-device detection. Enhanced protection layers cloud analysis on top of that, extending the existing detection. Google says scammers often disguise their motives behind slow-burn conversations. The cloud Gemini models therefore evaluate complex message context, to understand a scammer’s intent more quickly in conversations with an unknown sender.
“This secure cloud analysis augments and extends our existing on-device detection, allowing us to identify novel and sophisticated attacks, actively uncovering and stopping abusers who try to hide their tracks.”
Google Messages announcement
Turning the setting on unlocks two link defenses. On-device Gemini Nano combines Messages’ existing URL protections with real-time web signals. It judges whether an unfamiliar link is trustworthy before you tap it. Google says scammers frequently register brand-new websites that haven’t been cataloged yet. That Nano link check runs on Google Pixel 10 and newer, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8, and other select devices.
The cloud Gemini analysis has its own device floor. In footnote 2 of its announcement, Google names the Pixel 6 and newer, the Samsung Galaxy S24 series and newer, the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold6 and newer, and other Android AICore devices. That footnote also says users can optionally report a text message as spam, which sends the message and its contents to Google for analysis. Google links an Android help page about Android AICore, the system service behind those on-device features.
Redesigned warnings are the second defense. With Enhanced protection enabled, they give you extra time and clearer context to pause before tapping links sent from numbers not saved in your contacts. Google says this checkpoint previously applied only in select countries or with Android Advanced Protection enabled. Google lists the warnings on Android 6 and newer devices, as part of the Enhanced protection rollout.
Scam alerts in notifications reach more phones
Google is also widening its chat notification scam alerts. The feature first launched on Pixel phones. It warns about suspicious messages directly in the notification shade, before you open a chat app. Google says it is partnering with device makers to bring the protection to hundreds of millions more users later this year. The partner list includes HONOR, Infinix, iQOO, itel, JOVI, Motorola, OPPO, OnePlus, realme, TECNO, vivo and Xiaomi. Device availability varies by manufacturer.
Call forwarding and screen sharing safeguards
Scammers sometimes redirect a victim’s incoming calls to steal one-time passcodes. Android will block apps from quietly enabling call forwarding in the background. Google says Android will also warn you before a scammer’s trick works. If someone tricks you into typing an MMI forwarding code on the dial pad, Android will proactively warn you before it can take effect. That call forwarding protection will be available starting in early December on Pixel and other select devices, Google says.
Automatic screen-share privacy is rolling out this month to Android 15 and newer devices. Android already hides sensitive info in native apps. The protection extends to Chrome and Android WebView. It automatically blanks out login fields and payment screens during live screen-share sessions.
Scale of the scam problem
Google says AI-powered Scam Detection in Phone by Google and Google Messages now flags more than 5 million suspected scam calls and texts every month. In a survey Google conducted with YouGov, 40% of smartphone users said they are “very” or “extremely” concerned about mobile fraud. The survey covered the U.S., Canada and Australia.
Google also cites an independent evaluation by Leviathan Security Group. Google commissioned and funded it. The study compared built-in default protections on the Google Pixel 11 Pro, Apple iPhone 18 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S26 and Motorola Razr 2026. Google’s graphic scores each device across 31 assessed features: the Pixel 11 Pro reached 29, the Galaxy S26 26.75, the Razr 2026 26 and the iPhone 18 Pro 17.75. Google says it found Android devices provide the strongest out-of-the-box scam and fraud protections. Google notes some features may not be available in all countries.
Bank impersonation and verified financial calls
Google’s verified financial calls program targets bank impersonation. Android checks incoming calls in real time, with official banking apps, to verify the bank actually initiated the call. If a caller claiming to represent a bank fails the check, Android hangs up and alerts you.
Android partnered with Banco do Brasil, Itaú Unibanco and other leading banks to introduce verified financial calls. Google says Android has blocked more than 3 million spoofed calls from Banco do Brasil and Itaú Unibanco alone since the feature launched in June 2026. The Brazilian Federation of Banks (FEBRABAN) reported bank impersonation scams in Brazil surged 195.7% over a 12-month period. Google says the feature already protects customers of other global financial institutions such as Revolut, and it plans to add more partners. TMM earlier reported that your Pixel may soon warn you when a caller is faking a contact. The announcement does not specify when verified financial calls will reach more markets.
Enhanced protection mode appears as an opt-in setting inside Google Messages when it rolls out. The announcement does not specify a precise rollout date, and for device eligibility it names example models with open “other select devices” qualifiers rather than a complete list.
