The feature analyses web content locally using Gemini Nano to detect known scam indicators.
Google is rolling out a new anti-scam feature in Chrome to identify and block tech support scams in real time.
Using its Gemini Nano large language model, the scams often involve deceptive full-screen warnings or pop-ups falsely claiming system infections to prompt users to call fraudulent helplines.
The system analyses web content locally using Gemini Nano to detect known scam indicators. If a threat is suspected, Chrome sends the model’s findings and associated metadata to Google Safe Browsing for further analysis. If verified as malicious, Chrome will issue a user-facing alert.
In an announcement, Google said the new detection mechanism is part of Chrome's 'Enhanced Protection' and will debut in Chrome version 137, scheduled for release this week.
Initially available to users who enable Enhanced Protection, the feature will be expanded in future updates to detect other scam types, such as fake delivery notices. Support for Android is expected in 2025.
Written by
Dan Raywood is a B2B journalist with 25 years of experience, including covering cybersecurity for the past 17 years. He has extensively covered topics from Advanced Persistent Threats and nation-state hackers to major data breaches and regulatory changes.
He has spoken at events including 44CON, Infosecurity Europe, RANT Forum, BSides Scotland, Steelcon and the National Cyber Security Show, and served as editor of SC Media UK, Infosecurity Magazine and IT Security Guru. He was also an analyst with 451 Research and a product marketing lead at Tenable.
