Google has announced a new security feature called fake call detection for its Phone by Google app, aimed at protecting users from increasingly sophisticated impersonation scams powered by artificial intelligence. The feature addresses what Google describes as a growing global threat where scammers use AI-generated deepfake voices to deceive victims.
These scams often involve criminals spoofing a trusted contact’s phone number, making it appear as though a call is coming from a family member, colleague, or authority figure. Once connected, scammers use AI tools to replicate the voice of the impersonated person with alarming accuracy.
How AI Deepfake Phone Scams Work
According to Google, fraudsters first manipulate caller ID systems using internet-based software to mimic familiar contacts. This makes the incoming call appear legitimate on the recipient’s screen.
The second step involves AI voice generation tools that can imitate real human speech patterns. Google warns that modern deepfake technology has advanced to the point where most users can no longer reliably distinguish between authentic and synthetic voices during live phone calls.
This combination of spoofed numbers and realistic voice cloning has made impersonation fraud more dangerous than ever.
How Google’s Fake Call Detection Feature Works
The new fake call detection system is designed to verify whether both callers are genuinely connected through the Phone by Google app. When two users on the app place a call, their devices silently exchange a verification signal using end-to-end encrypted RCS technology.
This process ensures that the connection is secure and private while confirming the authenticity of both participants. If a scammer attempts to impersonate a contact using another device or system, this verification signal will not be present.
In such cases, the app immediately alerts the user with a warning message, helping them identify potential fraud in real time before any sensitive information is shared.
Availability and Device Compatibility
The fake call detection feature is enabled by default and will begin rolling out globally this month. It will be available on devices running Android 12 and newer versions.
Google’s Pixel smartphones will be the first to receive the update. Users with other Android devices can also access the feature by downloading the Phone by Google app from the Google Play Store and setting it as their default calling application.
With this rollout, Google aims to strengthen mobile security and provide users with better protection against evolving AI-powered scams.
