Google Launches Fake Call Detection to Fight AI Deepfake Scams
Google has announced a new fake call detection feature for Android devices to help users identify AI-powered impersonation scams. The feature will begin rolling out globally this month through Phone by Google on Android 12 and newer devices, starting with Pixel smartphones.
As scammers adopt more sophisticated tactics, many now use trusted phone numbers and AI-generated voices to impersonate family members, employers, or authority figures. For example, a user may receive a call that appears to come from a parent, while the caller is actually a scammer attempting to create a false emergency and request money.
To address this threat, Google has enabled the feature by default. Moreover, it operates automatically in the background without requiring user intervention.
Digital Verification Helps Confirm Legitimate Calls
The system works through what Google describes as a digital handshake between devices. When two users employ Phone by Google, the caller’s device sends a silent verification signal to confirm the call’s authenticity.
If a scammer attempts to impersonate a trusted contact, that verification signal will not be present. Consequently, the receiving device immediately checks with the contact’s actual phone to confirm whether a legitimate call is taking place.
“If a scammer tries to impersonate your trusted contact, that initial confirmation signal will be missing,” Google explained in a blog post. “Your device will instantly notice this and ping your contact’s actual device to double-check. If their real device says, ‘I’m not making a call right now,’ you’ll get a warning on your screen advising you to hang up immediately.”
Google built the technology on top of Rich Communication Services (RCS). Therefore, other companies and application developers may also adopt the system in the future.
Android Gains New AI-Powered Features
Alongside fake call detection, Google introduced several additional Android features. First, Google Photos is receiving a new virtual wardrobe tool that allows users to mix and match outfits digitally. The feature organizes clothing items from photo libraries into browsable snapshots and will roll out next week to eligible users in the United States, India, and Brazil on Android 10 and newer devices.
Meanwhile, Google Play Books is adding a “Catch me up” feature that provides story recaps, helping readers quickly return to books after a break. Users can also highlight passages and ask questions about the content. These updates are available starting today for select English-language titles.
In addition, Circle to Search now supports full-outfit searches. Instead of identifying individual items one by one, users can search an entire outfit at once. The update is currently available on Android 14 and newer devices that support Circle to Search.
Together, these updates reflect Google’s broader effort to strengthen security while expanding AI-powered experiences across the Android ecosystem.
