AI Tool Helps Israelis Detect and Avoid SMS Phishing Scams

SMS phishing scams have become a widespread and troubling threat in Israel, with fake messages impersonating well-known companies and organizations such as Road 6, Pango, the National Insurance Institute, and the Electric Company flooding mobile devices daily. To combat this growing problem and protect potential victims, AI expert Dalia Baida introduced a technological solution on the "HaOlam HaBoker" news program that uses artificial intelligence to identify scam messages.

The solution utilizes a customized AI tool within the Gemini system, employing a feature called Gems. Baida explained that the process involves creating a new Gem named "Fraud Identifier" and programming it with a prompt that trains the AI to act as a cybersecurity and phishing detection expert. For example, a suspicious SMS claiming a debt related to Road 6 would trigger the Gem to assign a very high phishing risk rating based on factors like shortened links, threatening language, urgent pressure, and unofficial sender numbers.

The method to detect SMS scams with AI involves four simple steps: taking a screenshot of the suspicious message, immediately uploading it to the customized Gem in Gemini, allowing the AI agent to analyze it in real time, and then making an informed decision based on the risk assessment and explanations shown on the dashboard. This practical tool is designed not only for individual users but also to help protect elderly family members and parents who may be more vulnerable to falling victim to such scams.