Key Points
- Tax scams are surging, with fraud attempts up 67% as criminals exploit filing season urgency.
- Google Pixel phones offer Call Screen and on-device AI scam detection to block fraudulent calls in real time.
- Android users can quickly check suspicious messages using Circle to Search or Google Lens to spot potential fraud.
It’s tax season, and while many people are focused on refunds, cybercriminals are launching a wave of attacks. Fraud professionals report a significant 67% increase in scam attempts this year, with fake refund updates being a top tactic. This surge has driven Google Search trends, with terms like “secure tax” reaching record highs and “tax identity shield” growing over 120% recently. In response, Google has built several tools into its devices and services to help protect users during this high-risk period.
For owners of Pixel phones, the first line of defense against phone scams is automated. The Call Screen feature answers suspected spam calls automatically, transcribing the conversation so you can decide to pick up or ignore. On average, Pixel users with this feature enabled see 70% fewer spam calls reaching them. This helps filter out the vast majority of unwanted robocalls before they disturb you.
Beyond simple filtering, Pixel offers a more advanced layer of protection. Users can enable real-time Scam Detection alerts within the Phone app. This system uses on-device AI to analyze live conversations for common scam patterns, such as urgent demands for payment or threats about account breaches. If a high-risk pattern is detected, your phone will issue a clear notification, sound, and vibration to warn you that the caller may be attempting a fraud.
On the broader Android platform, scammers increasingly use text messages and social media to send fake IRS notices or refund offers. Google Messages already includes built-in scam detection for suspicious texts. Now, two other tools make it easier to verify any questionable message you receive, no matter the app. With Circle to Search, you can simply long-press your home button and circle the suspicious text. The system uses AI to assess if it’s likely a scam, providing an overview and suggested next steps.
This same capability is available through Google Lens. You can take a screenshot of the suspicious message, open Lens in the Google app, and tap the screenshot. Lens will then analyze the content and offer insights into whether it appears fraudulent. This provides a quick, intuitive way to fact-check communication from unknown sources without needing to leave your messaging or social media app.
While these features are prominent on mobile devices, the underlying security logic is part of a wider Google ecosystem approach. Your Google account is the central hub for many services, and protecting it with strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication is the foundational step that connects security across your phone, computer, and cloud storage. The same AI-driven pattern recognition that flags scam calls also helps protect your accounts from unauthorized access.
For users on Chromebooks and the Chrome browser, staying safe during tax season means being extra cautious about websites and email links. Chrome’s built-in Safe Browsing technology warns you about dangerous sites and downloads. Always ensure you are on a genuine, secure IRS or tax service website (look for “https://” and a padlock icon) before entering any personal information. The vigilance encouraged by your phone’s scam detection should carry over to your desktop browsing habits.
Ultimately, these tools are designed to give you an advantage against evolving fraud. They automate much of the heavy lifting—filtering calls, analyzing text patterns—so you can focus on legitimate tax preparation. The best actionable step is to proactively check your device settings today to ensure features like Call Screen and scam detection are turned on. Combining these technological safeguards with a habit of pausing to verify unexpected requests creates a much stronger personal defense system during tax season and beyond.
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