Stop text message scams in their tracks with Circle to Search.

You can now use features like Circle to Search to help review suspicious text messages and identify potential scams. Here’s how to use it to help protect your device and your data.

Spotting text message scams before you click.

Every year, scam texts get more sophisticated than ever. But how do you tell what’s real, and what should be immediately relegated to your junk folder? They may look official, but these messages are designed to create a sense of urgency that convinces you to click on phishing links or hand over personal details.

Enter Android’s Circle to Search. This tool acts as a detector for text message scams and smishing (SMS phishing) attempts¹. When you use Circle to Search on a suspicious message, Android uses AI to check it against scam patterns and web data. It gives you a quick assessment so you know which messages to ignore or delete—and which actually require your attention.

How to recognize a scam message with Circle to Search.

Circle to Search acts like a text message checker, helping you take control and spot the most common types of scams.

Financial and banking scams.

Picture this: a text arrives from your bank or a financial service claiming there’s been a security breach. It looks legitimate and urges you to click a link immediately to verify your identity or unlock your account. This pressure tactic is designed to make you act before you think.

1. Instead of panicking or clicking, stay calm. Long-press the home button or navigation bar on your Android phone to activate Circle to Search.
2. Circle the suspicious text message.
3. Google’s AI overview will review the text using AI and information from the web to assess whether the message is likely a scam. You’ll see an overview with guidance and insights including suggested next steps.

Delivery and retail impersonators.

Smishing attempts also commonly impersonate delivery services. You might get a text about a package “on hold,” asking for a small redelivery fee, or a refund for an order you never made. The goal is always the same: to get your credit card details.

1. Don’t click the link, no matter how curious you are. Instead, activate Circle to Search.
2. Draw a circle around the the text message.
3. Search analyzes the message, including links included, and shares an AI Overview response assessing if it's a scam. The analysis is based on online information that can identify telltale signs of scams, such as the language being used (usually overtly asking for payments in short timeframes) and the integrity of the links (i.e.: if they point to reputable, official websites, or suspicious and unknown addresses). These steps are a helpful way to check a link without ever opening it in your browser.

Government and utility fraud.

Nobody wants to ignore official government messages—but text message scams also commonly target these areas, impersonating the DMV to warn of an expiring license or unpaid toll road fees. These messages create urgency by threatening fines or penalties if you don’t pay a small fee right away.

1. Before you worry about a fine, activate Circle to Search.
2. Circle the text message.
3. An AI overview will appear on your screen. The Search result provides a breakdown of why the message might be a scam and suggests what you should do next, like blocking the number or ignoring the link.

Social engineering and “wrong number” cons

Another common type of text message scam involves a vague message from an unknown number. This friendly stranger might ask, “Are you busy?” or “Are you ok?”, using social engineering techniques to start a conversation and eventually lead you into a fake investment or data-theft trap.

If a stranger’s text feels suspicious, use Circle to Search for a quick check:

1. First things first: bring up Circle to Search by long-pressing your home button.
2. Circle the suspicious message.
3. If the tool identifies it as a common scam tactic, it will advise you to block the number rather than reply.

Common questions about fake text messages.

Text message scams can be scary—so here are some answers to common questions you might have. With Android’s Circle to Search, you can feel confident and secure.

Can you get scammed by opening a text message?

In most cases, no. Simply opening a message won’t compromise your phone or your data. The danger starts when you click a link, download an attachment or reply. Using Circle to Search lets you review a suspicious message without ever interacting with the scammer, so you can decide what to do next without putting your data at risk.

How do I check if a message is legitimate?

Instead of guessing, you can use Circle to Search as a quick verification tool. It only takes a few seconds:

1. Stop: If a message feels off, don’t tap any links or buttons.
2. Circle: Activate Circle to Search and draw a circle around the text, sender’s info or link you’re unsure about.
3. Search: Search will show you search results, warnings and context from the web to help you see if it’s a known scam.
4. Delete and block: If it looks like a scam, delete the message and block the number immediately.

Your first line of defense against smishing.

You no longer have to rely on a gut feeling to spot smishing and text scams. By using Circle to Search as a text message checker, you can get a second opinion on any communication that feels off. Instead of wondering if a link is malicious, you can see the red flags and suggested next steps right on your screen.

The next time a suspicious message arrives, give it a try. And while you’re at it, explore the other things you can do with Circle to Search. Android is always working to safeguard you and your data through helpful, simple innovation.

Footnotes:

1. Results, availability and compatibility may vary.