What’s happened? Google added an AI-powered scam detection feature in Google Messages last year. At the time, the company talked about two more scam mitigation features to safeguard users from malicious links and against impersonation. These features are now rolling out to users.
- The first new feature is designed to counter scams that rely on links shared over SMS, and can warn users when they click a link to a potentially harmful website.
- The other new feature, called Key Verifier, debuted in Google’s Contacts app earlier this year and is now making it to the messaging app.
- Key Verifier lets users scan a QR code to verify trusted contacts, making it easy to avoid scammers posing as businesses or known users.
Why is this important? Scammers are increasingly turning to text messages for phishing and fraud. These new features aim to help users avoid scams by automatically flagging fishy texts and verifying trusted contacts.
- Many users don’t pay enough attention before tapping links sent over SMS. By showing a warning when a link is identified as malicious, Google Messages will make avoiding scams a whole lot easier.
- Impersonation is another common trick scammers use to hoodwink unsuspecting users. Key Verifier adds a layer of protection against such scams by making it easy to confirm the identity of the person on the other end.
Why should I care? These additions are particularly useful for less tech-savvy Google Messages users who have a hard time identifying scammy texts.
- You will see fewer dangerous links and have an easier time identifying who you’re chatting with.
- This should improve safety and give you some peace of mind, especially if you rely on Messages for sensitive conversations.
What’s next? The safer links feature is rolling out globally to all Google Messages users. Key Verifier, however, is limited to devices running Android 10+.
