You Can Use ‘Circle to Search’ to Identify Scams on Android
Android users have more tools to combat the seemingly endless stream of scam texts from bad actors looking to steal your data and money. Circle to Search and Google Lens can now evaluate messages for scam red flags, and if possible fraud is detected, you’ll get recommendations on what to do (or not do) next. Even if you think you know the telltale signs of a scam (a sense of urgency, a request for money or personal information, a link to log in or pay), using these tools can confirm your suspicions, especially when you feel compelled to act.
Use Circle to Search to Identify Scams
To enable Circle to Search, long press the home button or navigation bar on your device and circle the text you want to scan. You can also take a screenshot, open Lens in the Google app (also available on iOS), and tap screenshot. The feature works for text messages as well as communication on messaging apps and social media sites. Google says this feature is available “when our systems have high confidence in the quality of the response.”
It’s just the latest addition to Google’s suite of security features designed to protect against fraud. Pixel users get real-time AI-powered scam detection, which identifies and alerts you to suspicious conversation patterns in Google Messages and Phone by Google. In-call protections for Android prevent you from performing certain actions, such as loading new apps and changing accessibility permissions, on your device while you’re on the phone with someone not saved in your contacts.
What do you think of it so far?
Earlier this month, Google also expanded its Call Scam Detection feature, intended to combat bank identity theft schemes, to US users. If you’re on a call with a number not in your contacts and try to open a participating financial app, you’ll receive a notification reminding you not to share information and a one-tap option to stop screen sharing and end the call.
