How Google’s AI is Fighting Fraud – And How You Can Stay Safe

🚨 March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, a time to raise awareness about scams and equip individuals with the knowledge to protect themselves. Fraud continues to evolve and target Canadians, costing millions of dollars annually.

This year, Google has introduced new AI-powered scam detection features to help users spot and stop fraudulent messages and calls before they cause harm. Here’s how these tools work and key fraud tactics you should know to keep your finances safe.

Google’s AI-Powered Scam Detection for Messages & Calls

Google has rolled out AI-driven scam detection within its messages and phone apps to safeguard users from fraud proactively. Here’s how it works:

🔹 Real-Time Scam Detection (On-Device AI)

• Google’s AI scans SMS, MMS, and RCS messages in real-time, looking for patterns that match known scam tactics—without sending your data to Google.

• This ensures that your privacy remains protected while keeping scams at bay.

🔹 Fraud Alerts for Suspicious Messages

• If Google detects a potential scam, it will issue a real-time warning before you engage with the message.

• You’ll get options to block the sender, report the scam, or dismiss the warning.

🔹 Call Scam Detection & Warnings

• AI analyzes incoming call patterns, such as spoofed numbers or impersonation scams, to detect fraud.

• If the system identifies a high-risk call, it will flag it before you pick up.

🔹 Privacy-Focused Protection

• All processing happens on your device, meaning messages and calls are not shared with Google or third parties.

📌 How to Enable It: If you're using Google Messages or Google Phone, make sure your app is updated to take advantage of these security features.

For a visual overview of Google's new AI-powered scam detection features, watch the following news segment:

Investment Scams: The Most Costly Fraud in Canada

While Google’s scam detection adds a powerful layer of protection, it is just as important to be able to recognize scams yourself.

One of Canada's most financially devastating scams is investment fraud—scammers promise substantial returns but end up stealing your money instead.

💰 How bad is it? Canadians lost $310.6 million to investment scams last year alone, making it the biggest fraud-related financial loss in the country.

Common Investment Scam Tactics & How to Avoid Them

✅ Fake "High-Return, Low-Risk" Investments

• Scam: Fraudsters promise huge profits without risk, urging you to invest quickly.

• How to Protect Yourself: All investments carry some risk. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

✅ Pressure to Act Fast

• Scam: Scammers rush you to invest before you can do proper research.

• How to Protect Yourself: Legitimate investments won’t pressure you. Take your time and verify.

✅ Impersonation of Trusted Firms

• Scam: Fraudsters pretend to be from major banks or investment firms to gain your trust.

• How to Protect Yourself: Call the company directly—don’t trust phone numbers or links sent via email or text.

✅ Ponzi & Pyramid Schemes

• Scam: You’re told your money will be used for investments, but early investors are paid using new victims' funds.

• How to Protect Yourself: Avoid "recruiting-based" investments—they are illegal and unsustainable.

✅ Fake Trading Platforms & Crypto Scams

• Scam: Fraudsters lure people into fake cryptocurrency or forex trading platforms, then disappear with their money.

• How to Protect Yourself: Use only regulated, well-known investment platforms.

🚨 Red Flag: If you’re contacted out of the blue about an “exclusive investment opportunity,” it’s a scam.

📌 What to Do If You Suspect Investment Fraud:

• Stop all communication with the person or company.

• Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca).

• Contact your bank immediately if you’ve already sent money.

Best Practices to Protect Yourself from Scams

Want to stay ahead of fraudsters and keep your finances safe? Follow these key steps:

✅ Stay Informed – Scammers constantly evolve their tactics.

• Subscribe to The Click Code for fraud prevention alerts, scam breakdowns, and security tips tailored for Canadians.

✅ Enable Google’s Scam Detection Features—If you use an Android device, turn on scam detection in Google Messages & Phone to receive real-time alerts about fraudulent messages and calls.

✅ Verify Before Acting – Never rush into decisions based on messages or calls that create urgency.

• Contact the company directly using its official website if someone asks for money or personal info.

✅ Never Trust Random Investment Offers – No real financial institution will pressure you into investing quickly.

• If you get an offer promising huge returns with no risk, it's a scam.

✅ Report Suspicious Activity – If you encounter a scam, report it to authorities to help prevent others from being targeted.

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

Take Action: Protect Yourself from Fraud

🚀 What is your next step?

🔹 Enable Google’s AI-powered scam detection in Messages & Phone to block fraudulent messages and calls before they reach you.
🔹 Stay alert for investment scams—it's a red flag if you feel pressured to invest fast.
🔹 Subscribe to The Click Code to stay updated on the latest fraud tactics and how to avoid them.

📩 Stay informed. Stay protected. Subscribe!