The internet is full of scams, and sometimes, they’re so convincing that even the most careful users fall for them. You might see a pop-up warning you about a virus, urging you to call a fake tech support number. Or maybe you get a notification claiming you’ve won a prize, only to realize it’s a trick to steal your personal information.
But now, Google is fighting back. With the help of AI-powered scam detection, Chrome can instantly recognize scam websites and warn users before they fall into a trap.
How Chrome’s AI works
Google has introduced Gemini Nano, an advanced AI model that runs directly on your device. This means that instead of waiting for scam websites to be reported, Chrome can analyze a webpage in real time and detect suspicious activity—even if the site has never been flagged before.
Phiroze Parakh, Senior Director of Engineering for Google Search, explained why this technology is so important. “Fighting scammers has always been an evolution game,” he said. “Bad actors learn and adapt as tech companies put new protections in place. Now, both sides have new tools. So, there’s this question of, how do you get to use this tool more effectively?”
Scam protection beyond Chrome
Google isn’t stopping with Chrome. The company is also using AI to block scam websites in Search and filter out misleading notifications on Android.
In Search, Google’s AI now blocks hundreds of millions of scam-related pages every day, catching 20 times more scam results than before. One of the biggest scams Google has tackled is fake airline customer service numbers, which trick people into calling fraudsters instead of real airline representatives. Thanks to AI, these scams have been reduced by over 80%.
On Android, scam websites often send fake notifications, trying to lure users into clicking dangerous links. Chrome’s AI now scans these notifications and warns users before they interact with them.
Why this matters
Scams are becoming more advanced, and AI-generated fake content makes it easier for fraudsters to trick people. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, consumers worldwide lost over $1 trillion to scams last year.
Google’s new AI-powered protections aim to stay ahead of scammers, making it harder for them to deceive users. Jasika Bawa, Group Product Manager for Chrome, emphasized the importance of this technology. “Gemini Nano’s AI model runs on your device, so it works faster and protects users’ privacy,” she said.
The future of scam detection
Google plans to expand AI scam protection even further, bringing real-time scam detection to more devices and improving its ability to recognize new types of fraud.
For internet users, this means safer browsing, fewer scam pop-ups, and better protection against online fraud. But as scammers continue to evolve, AI will have to keep improving to stay one step ahead.
So, next time you browse the web, remember, Chrome’s AI is watching out for you.
