Google adds fake call detection in Android to warn about deepfake scams

In short: Google is rolling out a new Android feature that warns people when a call from a trusted contact may be fake.

What happened

Google says Android is launching “fake call detection” to help protect people from phone scams that use AI voices and fake caller ID. The feature is rolling out globally this month in the Phone by Google app for Android 12 and newer phones, starting with Pixel devices.

These scams often involve “spoofing,” which means a caller makes their phone number look like someone else’s number on your screen. Scammers are also using AI “deepfakes,” which are computer made copies of a person’s voice that can sound real. For example, your phone might show “Mom,” and the voice may sound like her, but it could be a scammer asking for money.

Google says the new tool runs automatically and is turned on by default. It works like a quick ID check between phones (like two friends using a secret handshake). If you and the caller both use Phone by Google, the caller’s phone sends a quiet confirmation to prove it is really their device. If that confirmation is missing, Android can warn you and tell you to hang up.

Google says the system is built on RCS, a messaging standard (a shared set of rules that helps phones communicate), which could let other apps and companies use similar checks.

Why it matters

Many people ignore unknown numbers, so scammers are trying harder to look and sound like someone you trust. A clear warning during the call could help people avoid sending money or sharing sensitive information when the caller ID and voice cannot be trusted.

Source: TechCrunch AI