In response to the growing surge of unpaid toll text scams, Google is enhancing its Messages app to help Android users detect and avoid these deceptive schemes. Starting this week, the update will roll out to Android devices, improving Google’s existing scam detection capabilities.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), text-based scams are among the most prevalent today, with fake unpaid toll alerts becoming a favorite tactic for fraudsters. Google’s upgrade builds upon its ability to identify common scams like fake job offers and package delivery hoaxes by now flagging suspicious toll payment requests.
Android Security Update Targets Unpaid Toll Text Scams
The scam detection system in Google Messages operates on-device, meaning users’ message content isn’t sent to external servers. Instead, the algorithm scans for red flags such as suspicious links, grammatical errors, urgent payment demands, and spoofed logos – all commonly used by cybercriminals.
“Users have been telling us this is a persistent issue,” said Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google, in an interview with CNN. “These messages may seem simple, but they contain complex signals that our system is learning to catch.”
Fraudsters have become more sophisticated, rotating URLs and mimicking legitimate messaging formats to deceive recipients. Google’s AI-powered upgrade is designed to keep pace with these evolving tactics.
A Growing Threat: Unpaid Toll Text Scams Cost Millions
Unpaid toll scams have spiked in recent months. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center logged around 60,000 related complaints in 2024. Meanwhile, McAfee reported a fourfold increase in fake toll texts between January and late February.
The financial damage is staggering — Americans lost an estimated $470 million to text scams in 2024 alone, according to the FTC.
These scam texts often impersonate official toll authorities and prompt users to pay small amounts, while secretly collecting credit card or personal information. Earlier this year, New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned E-ZPass users never to provide sensitive data via text or email.
Scam Alerts and Fraud Prevention Tools Built Into Google Messages
When Google’s system detects a likely scam, a warning message appears in the Messages app, giving users the option to block the number or mark it as safe. This added layer of protection will also flag fraudulent messages related to cryptocurrency, tech support, and gift card scams.
Google isn’t alone in tackling the issue. Companies like McAfee and Bitdefender offer separate tools to analyze suspicious content, but Google’s native integration in the Android ecosystem offers broader protection with no extra effort required from the user.
More Security Features Rolling Out Ahead of Developer Conference
The scam detection update is just one in a series of security-focused announcements from Google ahead of its upcoming developer conference. The tech giant also revealed new protections in Chrome to identify malicious websites and introduced warnings for users who may be screen-sharing while using banking apps.
As scams become more advanced, Google is doubling down on real-time detection and user protection. “The scammers are upping their game,” Samat explained. “We’re stepping up to meet them head-on.”
