Google Expands AI Fraud Protection to India Users

Google is rolling out new artificial intelligence-powered security tools in India to combat the country’s escalating digital fraud crisis. The expansion includes on-device scam detection for Pixel 9 smartphones and proactive alerts designed to prevent screen-sharing scams during financial transactions.

The move addresses a significant rise in financial crime. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), digital transaction fraud accounted for more than half of all reported bank scams in 2024, totaling 13,516 cases with losses reaching ₹5.2 billion (approximately $58.61 million). Government data further indicates that online scams caused an estimated ₹70 billion ($789 million) in losses within the first five months of 2025 alone.

Real-Time AI Call Monitoring

The core of this update is a real-time scam detection feature powered by Gemini Nano. By processing audio on-device, the system identifies potential fraud patterns without recording conversations or transmitting data to Google servers. The tool is currently restricted to Pixel 9 and newer models, a limitation in a market where Android dominates with 96% share, but Pixel hardware accounts for less than 1% of devices.

• Language Support: The feature operates in both Hindi and English.
• User Privacy: Detection is off by default and emits an audible beep to notify callers during a monitored conversation.
• Expansion Plans: Google has confirmed it intends to bring this technology to non-Pixel Android devices, though no specific timeline was provided.

Combating Screen-Sharing Fraud

Google is also launching a pilot program targeting screen-sharing scams, where criminals trick victims into exposing one-time passwords (OTPs) and banking credentials. Partnering with Navi, Paytm, and Google Pay, the feature provides alerts for users on Android 11 or later.

If a screen-sharing session is detected during a sensitive app operation, users receive a prompt with a one-tap option to terminate the call and stop the screen broadcast. The company plans to expand these alerts to include more languages and additional financial app partners.

Broader Security Efforts

Beyond these new features, Google continues to utilize its Play Protect service to curb the proliferation of predatory loan applications. This year, the service blocked over 115 million installation attempts for apps requesting invasive permissions. Additionally, Google Pay now displays more than a million fraud warnings weekly.

Despite these initiatives, critics point to persistent gaps in Google’s ecosystem. Security researchers and law enforcement have frequently identified malicious investment and loan apps within the Play Store that evade initial review processes. These ongoing vulnerabilities highlight the difficulty of policing an app marketplace that remains the primary gateway for millions of Indian smartphone users.