Google Enhances Scam Protection in Asia Pacific with New Features and Partnerships

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Google rolls out AI-powered scam detection on Android, joins industry alliances, and allocates $6 million funding to combat scams in Asia Pacific through education and community resilience efforts.

Scams in the Asia Pacific region have surged in complexity and scale, causing losses estimated at $114.1 billion USD in 2025 across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. In response, Google is expanding its efforts to fight these sophisticated fraud networks through a multi-pronged approach involving technology, collaboration, and community engagement.

At the core of Google’s strategy are enhanced protections integrated directly into Android devices. A newly introduced Fake Call Detection feature uses AI to identify phone call impersonations, a tactic increasingly used by scammers. This detection, based on open Rich Communication Services (RCS) technology, can potentially extend protective capabilities beyond Android. Additionally, Pixel phones now include scam detection that alerts users about suspicious messages across popular messaging apps. Android developer verification has been strengthened to guard users from malicious apps distributed outside Google Play.

Recognizing that tackling organized scams demands collective action, Google has partnered with industry peers by joining the Industry Accord Against Online Scams and Fraud. This initiative promotes sharing of threat intelligence and coordinated defense measures. Google also contributed to establishing the Japan Anti-Scam Alliance (JASA), facilitating cooperation among public and private institutions. Furthermore, Google.org helped launch the Global Anti-Scams Philanthropy Collaborative to synchronize international philanthropic initiatives.

On the community front, Google.org announced a $6 million fund to support The Asia Foundation and the Tech for Good Institute in assisting small businesses and individuals across Asia Pacific. This funding supports training programs designed to build scam resilience, fosters development of AI-powered defense tools, and provides policymakers with critical insights for improved threat management. These efforts complement ongoing support for local entities such as Bamboo Builders in Singapore and the Taiwan FactCheck Center, which deliver localized scam awareness training.

Google is also expanding the reach of Be Scam Ready, an educational game simulating common scams to prepare citizens for potential threats. Previously available in Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan, the game will soon launch in Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, extending its preventive education to millions.

Google’s comprehensive approach underlines its commitment to protecting Asia Pacific users by integrating advanced technology, fostering industry collaboration, and empowering communities with knowledge to reduce scam impacts. The company continues to advocate for global cooperative efforts against increasingly organized online fraud.