Google is rolling out a new security feature in its Phone app for Android users aimed at tackling the growing threat of impersonation scams and AI-generated voice fraud.
The feature, called fake call detection, is designed to identify calls in which scammers use spoofed phone numbers and AI-powered deepfake voices to impersonate trusted contacts such as family members, employers, or authority figures.
A common scam scenario involves a caller appearing as a known contact, such as a parent or close relative, while using AI technology to mimic that person’s voice and create a false emergency to demand money or sensitive information.
To counter such attacks, Google’s system verifies whether a call is genuinely coming from the contact’s device. When a call is placed, the caller’s phone sends a silent verification signal to the recipient’s device in real time. This secure digital handshake uses end-to-end encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS) technology.
If the verification signal is missing, the system treats the call as potentially suspicious. The recipient’s device can then check with the contact’s actual phone to confirm whether a call is being made. If the contact’s device indicates that no call is in progress, the user receives an on-screen warning advising them to end the call immediately.
The feature requires both participants to be using Android devices with the Phone by Google app. Google Messages and Google Contacts must also be installed for the verification process to work.
Google said the technology addresses a growing challenge as AI-generated audio becomes increasingly realistic, making it difficult for people to distinguish between authentic voices and synthetic impersonations.
Fake call detection will begin rolling out globally this month on Android 12 and newer devices, starting with Pixel smartphones. The feature will be enabled by default, although users will have the option to turn it off at any time.
Google also noted that because the technology is built on RCS standards, other app developers and device manufacturers could potentially adopt similar protections in the future.
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