Android adds fake call detection to combat AI deepfake scams

Google announced on Tuesday that it is launching a fake call detection feature to protect users against AI deepfake impersonation scams. The feature is rolling out this month globally in the Phone by Google app, starting with Pixel devices. It requires Android 12+ to run. The system is built on top of Rich Communication Services (RCS)—which is a communication protocol used for messaging and verification—making it possible for other apps and companies to adopt the technology. According to Google, the fake call detection feature works kind of like a “digital handshake between devices” to verify that incoming calls are legitimate.

The security update addresses a shifting threat landscape. Google noted that scammers are shifting their tactics by spoofing trusted phone numbers and using AI deepfake technology to sound like authority figures, family members, or employers. When a contact calls, their phone sends a silent confirmation signal to the recipient’s device. Google explained that if a scammer tries to impersonate your trusted contact, that initial confirmation signal will be missing. The tech giant added: “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.”

Alongside the security feature, Google is introducing several consumer app updates. For Google Photos, a new wardrobe feature is rolling out next week to eligible users with Android 10+ in the U.S., India, and Brazil. The feature catalogs clothes from a user’s photo library into browsable snapshots to let them virtually mix, match, and try on outfits. Additionally, Google Play Books is launching features today for select English titles, including a “Catch me up” story recap tool and a feature to highlight passages to ask questions. Finally, Google is updating its Circle to Search capability to let users search entire outfits at once rather than piece by piece. This update is available today on all Android 14+ devices that support the search feature.

Why it matters

As people increasingly refuse to answer calls from unknown numbers, scammers are using AI deepfake technology to impersonate trusted contacts, prompting Google to introduce a verification feature to protect users.