By Click&Clean - Thursday, May 15, 2025. Tech support scams are malicious websites where cybercriminals pose as legitimate technical support representatives to deceive individuals into granting them access to their computers, sharing access to sensitive information, or making payments.
These scams often begin with unsolicited emails, phone calls, or alarming pop-up warnings on a computer, falsely alleging that the victim's device is infected with malware, suffering performance problems, or facing a potential security breach. Scammers sometimes initiate full-screen takeovers and disable keyboard and mouse inputs to create a sense of urgency and panic. After convincing the victim that a problem exists, the scammer offers to resolve it, often using names that mimic legitimate security software.
The Google team has always been working on the security of its Chrome web browser to help keep users safe and secure online. Starting with Chrome 137, Google is introducing a new security feature that uses the built-in Gemini Nano language model (LLM) to detect and prevent tech support scams in real time while users browse the web.
This system enhances users safety by detecting potentially dangerous pages, prompting Chrome to evaluate them using the on-device Gemini Nano (LLM). The page information is then sent to "Safe Browsing" for a final assessment. If it is identified as a scam, users are alerted before any harm can occur.
With the upcoming launch of Chrome version 137, scheduled for release next week, the on-device Gemini Nano large language model (LLM) will be introduced to detect and combat tech support scams. This feature will be enabled by default for all users who upgrade to the latest version and opt into "Enhanced Protection": Chrome Settings → Privacy and Security → Security → Enhanced Protection.
Chrome will automatically install the update on all devices over time once it becomes available. However, to protect yourself from cybersecurity threats and data breaches, it is recommended that you regularly check for updates and ensure your Chrome web browser is always running the latest stable version.
When you click the button above, you will be redirected to the "Browser Update Checker" page, where you can check for available updates. It is completely safe, confidential, and private. At the time of writing, the page should list the following version of Chrome:
• Chrome versions 136.0.7103.113 and 136.0.7103.114 on Windows and Mac
• Chrome version 136.0.7103.113 on Linux
• Chrome version 136.0.7103.91 on iOS
• Chrome version 136.0.7103.125 on Android