Google Adds New Feature to Help Android Users Spot Scam Texts
Scam text messages are getting increasingly sophisticated, but Google is introducing a new layer of protection for Android users. The company has updated its “Circle to Search” feature, allowing people to quickly identify potentially fraudulent messages without clicking on links or responding to unknown senders.
Phishing scams often arrive as fake alerts from banks, delivery services, or urgent account notices, designed to prompt quick action—either by clicking a link or sharing personal information. The more realistic these messages appear, the harder it can be to tell them apart from genuine alerts.
To combat this, Google is rolling out Circle to Search on Android devices. Once activated, users can long-press the home button (also called the navigation bar) and simply circle suspicious text on their screen. Google then analyzes the text using artificial intelligence and information from the web, quickly indicating whether the message is likely a scam.
In addition to alerting users, the feature explains why a message appears suspicious, pointing out common scam tactics. For instance, scams often pressure recipients to act urgently or include unclickable links—key warning signs for any suspicious message.
