Tax season is prime time for fraudsters. With millions filing returns by the April 15th deadline, cybercriminals are actively exploiting individuals through various scams. According to Alloy’s annual fraud report, tax-related scam attempts have increased by 67%. Google is rolling out several tools to help users avoid becoming victims. Here’s how the company is fighting back.
Real-Time Scam Detection on Pixel Phones
Pixel phone users already benefit from Call Screen, which reduces spam calls by 70%. Now, Google introduces Scam Detection alerts, an opt-in feature that uses AI to monitor calls in real time. If the conversation veers into scam territory, the Pixel vibrates, sounds an alert, and sends a notification – giving users a warning before they fall for fraudulent schemes.
Circle to Search: Fact-Checking Texts and DMs
Tax scams frequently arrive as deceptive texts or direct messages claiming to be from the IRS or related to refunds. Google’s Circle to Search feature provides an additional layer of security. Android users can long-press the home button, circle a suspicious message, and let Circle to Search fact-check it. iPhone users can use Google Lens by screenshotting the message and then tapping on it within the app.
Google Safe Browsing: Enhanced Web Protection
Google Chrome’s Safe Browsing feature offers protection against phishing sites and malicious webpages. Users can enable Enhanced Protection in settings to scan visited websites against known threats. This proactively blocks access to dangerous sites designed to steal credentials or install malware.
Gmail’s Spam and Malware Alerts
Gmail flags known scams, spam, and malware with prominent warning banners. These high-visibility alerts ensure users don’t miss suspicious emails, links, or senders. The red or yellow banners make it difficult for fraudsters to go unnoticed in inboxes.
Ad Transparency in Google Search
Scammers can also exploit Google Search ads. The company’s ad transparency tools allow users to investigate suspicious ads by clicking the three-dot menu next to them. This reveals the advertiser’s name, location, and Google verification status, helping users identify potentially fraudulent schemes.
Bottom line: Tax scams are rising, but Google is deploying AI-powered tools across its platforms to protect users. Staying vigilant and utilizing these features can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud during tax season.
