Google Messages Is Cracking Down on Those Annoying USPS Scam Texts

Sometimes, it feels like I can’t go a day or two without receiving a scam text message, and I’m not the only one. From fake messages from USPS to too-good-to-be-true job offers for positions you never applied for, scammers are getting awfully creative in how they try to dupe you into disclosing highly sensitive information. Luckily, developers are getting hip to these duplicitous schemes and changing your favorite apps to combat them.

If you’re an Android user who uses Google Messages, a series of security updates will be hitting the app in the coming months aimed at eliminating scams involving fake deliveries and job offers. The updates will include:

• Improved analysis and filtering of scammy texts. When Google Messages suspects a potential scam text, it will move the message directly into your spam folder or warn you.
• Warnings about potentially dangerous links. Google Messages will warn users when they get a link from an unknown sender and, in some cases, block messages with links from suspicious senders.
• Ability to turn off messages from unknown international senders. If enabled, users can automatically hide messages from international senders who are not saved in their phone’s contacts list. The messages will be moved directly into the “Spam & blocked” folder.
• Sensitive content warnings. When the feature is enabled, any image that may contain nudity will be blurred before viewing. The user will then presented with a “speed bump” with resources and options (including the option to view the content).
• Provide more confirmation about the sender. Google will introduce a contact-verifying feature to Android, utilizing an identity key system across different apps to confirm you’re communicating with the person you intend to message. The public key verification can be through QR code scanning or number comparison.

Will These Google Messages Updates Impact My Privacy?

Google Messages uses machine learning to analyze your messages. In other words, the app will identify patterns in incoming text messages to identify spam (rather than sending the text to some server in a distant land to be analyzed by AI). Your text messages will never be sent to Google unless you explicitly report a spam message, maintaining your privacy.

Sources

Google Blog: 5 new protections on Google Messages to help keep you safe