‘No deal with Google on scam detector’

‘No deal with Google on scam detector’

KUALA LUMPUR: Federal police have not entered into any formal cooperation with Google on the tech giant’s artificial intelligence (AI)-based scam-detection feature that helps flag suspicious messages in real time.

Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said all requests for investigative assistance from Malaysian police must be channelled to Google’s headquarters in the United States, in line with existing procedures.

However, he said police were open to potential data-sharing or advisory collaboration with Google on scam patterns in Malaysia, subject to stringent security reviews and compliance with national data-protection requirements.

“We are open to any partnership that enhances our capability to combat scams, but it must be appropriate for the Malaysian environment and has to meet our security standards,” he said.

Google’s new feature, launched globally on Dec 2, allows users to “circle” suspicious text or scan screenshots via Google Lens, after which an AI analyses the content against known scam techniques and triggers red-flag alerts if needed.

DISYORKAN UNTUK ANDA :

PRK Lamag, Kinabatangan: Semoga Kemenangan Kepada Calon Kita – Ahmad Zahid

Rusdi told the New Straits Times that such tools were a positive development as scammers had increasingly weaponised AI through deepfake videos, cloned voices and highly personalised scripts targeting vulnerable individuals.

“This type of AI detection tool is helpful as an early warning layer for the public. But platform responsibility is just as important. Tech companies must act decisively to block and take down malicious content.”

He stressed that public awareness remained the most critical factor in preventing losses, noting that AI tools should be treated as “support mechanisms, not substitutes for vigilance”.

“Education and cyber-safety awareness will continue to be the backbone of scam prevention. We welcome useful tools, but users must stay alert,” he said.

Recent cases include a teacher in her 40s who lost nearly RM200,000 to a romance scammer she met on Facebook, highlighting how quickly trust could be exploited and lives upended.

The Google tool is available for free on both Android and iOS, giving users instant checks when a message appears genuine but feels suspicious, particularly for scams involving fake love interests, job offers, investments or urgent payment demands.