Google announces new Gemini-powered scam protections for Android and Messages

What happened

Google announced several new security features for Android to combat scams on 14 October 2026 [1, 2]. These updates include:

• Enhanced protection mode in Google Messages: This is an opt-in feature that will roll out in the coming weeks [1, 3]. When enabled, the app uses cloud-based Gemini models to analyze the intent of messages from unknown senders [1, 2]. This process uses Private AI Compute, a secure setup where messages remain encrypted and inaccessible to Google [1].
• On-device link checking: The Gemini Nano model will check unfamiliar links on the phone itself to see if they are trustworthy before a user taps them [2]. This feature targets brand-new web domains that have not yet been cataloged [3].
• Call forwarding protection: Starting in early December, Android will prevent apps from silently enabling call forwarding in the background [1, 2]. This is intended to stop scammers from stealing one-time passcodes by redirecting verification calls [2, 3]. Additionally, the phone will warn users before a manually typed MMI forwarding code takes effect [2].
• Chrome security: Android 15 and later will hide login and payment fields in the Chrome browser when a user is sharing their screen [1].
• Verified financial calls: Android now checks with a bank’s app to verify if a call is legitimate. If the bank did not place the call, the phone will hang up [1]. This feature has already blocked over 3 million fake calls from Banco do Brasil and Itaú alone since its June launch [1].

Google stated that its current scam detection tools already flag more than 5 million suspected scam calls and texts every month [1].

Who is affected

• Device users: The Gemini Nano link protection is coming to Pixel 10 and later models, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and other select devices [1, 2, 3].
• Global Android users: Scam alerts in chat notifications, which began on Pixel phones, will expand to Motorola, OPPO, OnePlus, vivo, and Xiaomi phones later this year [1]. Call forwarding protection in early December will be available on Pixel and other select phones [2].
• Banking customers: Verified calls are currently available for users of Banco do Brasil, Itaú Unibanco, and Revolut [1].
• Regional context: According to Brazil’s bank federation, FEBRABAN, bank impersonation scams in Brazil rose 195.7% over a 12-month period [1].