Google Launches Fake Call Detection to Combat AI Deepfake Impersonation Scams

On Tuesday, Google unveiled a new feature for Android that detects fraudulent fake calls, specifically targeting users at risk of AI deepfake impersonation scams. This capability will be globally available in the Phone by Google app for devices running Android 12 and above, beginning this month, with an initial rollout for Pixel users.

As many people opt to ignore calls from unknown numbers, scammers have evolved their tactics, often spoofing trusted contacts and using AI deepfake technology to mimic the voices of familiar figures such as family members, friends, or employers.

For example, a user might receive a call showing “Mom” on the caller ID, with an indistinguishable voice replicating hers, but the caller is actually a fraudster using AI tools to impersonate her and request money for a fabricated crisis.

This cutting-edge feature is automatically activated and runs seamlessly in the background.

According to Google, the functionality operates like a “digital handshake between devices.” When someone in your contacts calls you and both users have the Phone by Google app, the devices exchange a silent confirmation signal to confirm the legitimacy of the call.

“If a scammer tries to impersonate your trusted contact, that initial confirmation signal won’t be present,” Google explained in a blog. “Your device will quickly detect this and ping your contact’s actual device for verification. If their genuine device responds with, ‘I’m not making a call right now,’ you will receive an alert advising you to hang up immediately.”

The tech giant also emphasizes that this feature utilizes Rich Communication Services (RCS), paving the way for its adoption by other apps and businesses.

The announcement coincided with other enhancements from Android, including a new feature in Google Photos that facilitates virtual outfit mixing and matching. This “wardrobe” function organizes clothing items from your photos into a browsable catalog on your device, rolling out next week for eligible users in the U.S., India, and Brazil on Android 10 and above.

Additionally, Google Play Books is introducing a new “Catch me up” feature, helping readers to resume stories with a recap. Users will also have the option to highlight text and pose questions. These features will be launched today for select English titles.

Google is further improving its “Circle to Search” feature, allowing users to search for entire outfits at once, streamlining the process. This update is now available on all Android 14+ devices that support Circle to Search.