Google protects you from scams during tax season | Keryc
It’s tax season, and while you’re daydreaming about your potential refund, scammers are active too. How do you know what’s real and what’s a trick? Google shares five practical tools so you don’t get caught off guard.
1. Filter suspicious calls on Pixel
Does that urgent call about an alleged IRS penalty or discount ring a bell? Keep in mind the IRS doesn’t call out of the blue asking for money. If you have a Pixel, take advantage of Call Screen, which detects and filters spam calls for you. On average, users with this feature report 70% fewer unwanted calls.
You can also turn on Scam Detection alerts in the Phone app. That feature uses on-device AI to spot conversational patterns typical of scams (for example, pressure to transfer money) and notifies you with an alert and a vibration. Get a weird call? Let your phone give you the first clue.
2. Verify messages in seconds with Circle to Search and Lens
Scammers send messages that look legit about refunds or problems with your account. Android already has fraud detection in Google Messages, but makes it even faster to check suspicious content anywhere.
Circle to Search
How to do it: hold the home button, circle the suspicious text, and Google’s AI will give a summary with guidance and suggested next steps. If you prefer another route, take a screenshot, open Lens in the Google app (Android or iOS) and tap the photo. In seconds you’ll know if you’re facing a scam.
3. Spot fake sites before you enter them
Fake websites that mimic tax services try to steal credentials. Google Safe Browsing acts like a digital guard: it compares pages against a threat database and shows a real-time warning if something doesn’t add up.
If an alert appears, the safest move is to back out and not enter personal information or sign in on that site.
4. Heed Gmail warnings and use Passkeys
Gmail blocks 99.9% of spam and malware, and it shows prominent banners when it detects suspicious messages. If you see a red or yellow strip on an email about taxes, take it seriously.
Do a Security Checkup to enable defenses like Passkeys, two-step verification, and Google Password Manager. Passkeys remove much of the risk tied to stolen passwords because they replace traditional sign-ins with something more secure.
5. Verify who’s behind an ad
When you search for tax help online, how do you know if an ad is legitimate? Use ad transparency tools: click the three dots next to an ad in Search and select "About this advertiser" to see the advertiser’s name, location, and verification status.
With that info you can decide whether the offer is trustworthy or if it’s better to keep looking for verified options.
What can you do right now?
Turn on Call Screen and Scam Detection if you have a Pixel.
Practice Circle to Search or Lens with a suspicious message.
Respect Safe Browsing warnings: don’t enter sites or input data.
Check Gmail’s flags and complete a Security Checkup.
Before paying or giving information, view "About this advertiser" on ads.
Tax season is stressful enough. These tools don’t eliminate all risk, but they give you concrete steps to protect your money and identity.
If you take a couple of simple actions today, you greatly reduce the chances of becoming a victim. Isn’t it better to use technology in your favor and keep your refund in your pocket?
