Scam Detection in Messages goes global, but the US gets a little something extra

After revealing a host of new features for a broad range of Android devices earlier this month, Samsung is now giving Pixel users new features. Beyond the new features in the latest September Pixel Drop, Google is expanding some existing features into new territories. One such feature is Scam Detection in Google Messages, which is now available in a host of countries and languages.

Google has confirmed that alongside the US, Pixel’s Scam Detection in Google Messages is now available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and the UK. In addition to English, Pixel devices will be able to detect seemingly suspicious or rogue messages in Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Google says that Scam Detection in Messages is now available on Pixel 6 and all newer Pixel phones. However, it won’t be available on the Pixel tablet. Meanwhile, Scam Detection during calls is already available in several countries and regions, but works only on Pixel 9 and newer devices.

Beyond Messages, Google is also expanding Spam Detection to third-party apps. While it already scans for potentially misleading or fraudulent messages in certain popular chat or social media apps, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and X, the functionality will now be available across all chat apps that support input via Gboard.

Unlike the regular functionality for Google Messages, however, Scam Detection in third-party apps is only available in the US for now. The list of supported devices remains the same, with Pixel 6 and all newer phones supported.

These features start rolling out to users today, i.e., starting September 15. Meanwhile, Google is also working with other manufacturers to expand Scam Detection to more devices.