Google Just Doubled Down on Scam Prevention in India — Here’s What’s New

Online fraud in India isn’t just rising — it’s exploding.

In 2024 alone, UPI frauds cost Indians nearly ₹11,000 crore. That’s an 85% jump from the year before. From fake police calls to shady instant loan apps, scammers are getting smarter, faster, and more convincing.

Google is responding with something bigger: a new “Safety Charter for India”, announced this week, along with a local team and upgraded tools to detect threats faster — using its own tech muscle.

Here’s what’s changing — and why it matters:

🔐 Smarter, faster detection — already in action

Google isn’t just talking — its existing safety tools are already working at scale:

• Google Messages is flagging 500 million+ suspicious texts every month

• Play Protect blocked 60 million harmful apps from being downloaded

• It also removed over 220,000 malicious apps from 13 million+ devices

• Google Pay sent out 41 million+ scam alerts to users during risky transactions

These updates happen quietly in the background — protecting users without extra effort.

🧠 India-first Security Center — Bengaluru gets a tech safety hub

In a major move, Google has opened its first-ever Asian Security Engineering Center (GSEC) in Bengaluru.

This isn't a support center — it's where Google will build and test security tools made specifically for Indian users, collaborating with:

• Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)

• Local researchers and ethical hackers

• Startups and universities

• Government policymakers

By building tools where the problems are, Google hopes to act faster and smarter.

🚨 Real-time fraud education — not just tech, but awareness

Scammers count on people not knowing better. Google’s fighting that too.

• Its DigiKavach program, launched in 2023, continues warning users about dangerous fintech apps

• Campaigns will now target smaller cities and first-time internet users

• Two-factor authentication (2FA) is being pushed more strongly (like SMS-based OTP + device check)

Expect more alerts, simpler settings, and content that teaches users how to spot scams — in real time.

⚙️ AI with a safety-first lens

Google’s AI models like Gemini now help detect fraud patterns 3x faster than before. But it’s not just about speed — it’s also about responsibility.

• Google is building a Secure AI Framework to stop misuse

• It's scanning for deepfakes, phishing attempts, and spyware threats using multi-signal detection

• It’s also working with researchers to test for edge cases and prevent abuse by surveillance vendors

The aim: stop bad actors before they cause harm, not after.

🚀 Why this matters

India is home to the world’s largest open internet market — and it’s growing by millions of users every month. Many of these are new to digital life, and scammers know it.

By combining better tools, local teams, and user education, Google hopes to stop fraud before it hits your inbox or bank account.

It’s a big bet — but if it works here, it could shape how the rest of the world fights online scams too.

Because staying informed shouldn’t cost you your peace of mind.