Google has introduced a new fake call detection feature for Android devices running Android 12 and above, rolling out this month via the Phone by Google app. The feature aims to identify scam calls where fraudsters use AI-generated voices and spoofed numbers to impersonate contacts, warning users when a call claiming to be from a saved contact fails verification, according to medianama.com.
The system works by verifying whether a call claiming to be from a saved contact actually originates from that person’s device. This verification occurs through an end-to-end encrypted process using Rich Communication Services (RCS) when both caller and receiver use Google’s Phone app. If the verification fails, Android displays a warning that the caller may be impersonating the contact, helping users avoid scams involving AI voice cloning and number spoofing.
This move addresses the rising threat of impersonation scams, which have caused significant financial losses globally. INTERPOL’s March 2026 Global Financial Fraud Threat Assessment reported that impersonation fraud contributed to over $400 billion in losses worldwide. The US Federal Trade Commission recorded $2.95 billion in losses from such scams in 2024. Google highlighted that scammers increasingly use AI voice-cloning tools combined with spoofed numbers to mimic trusted individuals, making detection difficult for most people.
The new feature is part of Google’s efforts to enhance user security against sophisticated fraud tactics. It is currently available on Android 12 and newer devices through the Phone by Google app, with the rollout ongoing this month, medianama.com reported.