- A “SMS Blaster” warning feature to combat fake base station fraud appears to have been integrated into “Google Messages,” the SMS/MMS/RCS client app for Android.
- Analysis of the app files from the Android “Google Messages” v20260714_00_RC00 update confirms the addition of resource code related to an “SMS Blaster” warning feature.
- The feature is designed to warn users via messages when a connection to an “SMS Blaster” is suspected.
Last year, fake 2G network base stations known as “SMS Blasters”—which mimic legitimate mobile phone base stations—were detected in Tokyo and Osaka. This gained significant attention, leading the Japanese government’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) to take measures against illegal radio stations.
“SMS Blasters” are used for fraudulent activities where they mimic legitimate base stations to trick mobile devices into connecting, subsequently sending suspicious SMS messages to lure users to phishing sites. It appears that an “SMS Blaster” warning feature to combat this type of fraud has now been integrated into the Android SMS/MMS/RCS client app, “Google Messages.”
The details were revealed through our site’s original “App Analysis” content.
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Analysis of the app files from the “Google Messages” for Android v20260714_00_RC00 update, released on Friday, July 17, 2026, confirmed that resource code related to an “SMS Blaster” warning feature has been added. It appears this feature will warn users via notifications if a connection to an “SMS Blaster” is suspected.
However, it is currently unclear whether the “SMS Blaster” warning feature in the “Google Messages” app has already begun rolling out. Its existence has been confirmed solely as an upcoming feature.
<string name="sms_blaster_suspected_messages_toolstone_description">Your device is connected to a suspicious cell tower. Scammers may be trying to steal your information. %s</string>
<string name="sms_blaster_suspected_messages_toolstone_link_text">Learn more</string>
<string name="sms_blaster_suspected_messages_toolstone_title">Likely fake cell tower scam</string>It is worth noting that Android devices running Android 12 or later already include a “Restrict 2G” setting, which blocks connections to 2G networks (as these are being phased out globally). By keeping this setting enabled, there is almost no risk of connecting to a fake 2G base station. The addition of the “SMS Blaster” warning feature in the “Google Messages” app will further bolster security.
“Google Messages” App Link
