Google AI can now catch scammers pretending to be your friends and family on phone calls

Google has introduced a new fake call detection system for Android devices to help users identify scammers impersonating friends or family through AI-generated voices and spoofed numbers. The feature works by verifying the calling device rather than relying on voice recognition alone, sending a silent signal between trusted contacts using Phone by Google. If a scammer spoofs a number, the real device confirms no call is active, triggering a warning on the recipient’s phone. The technology targets a growing scam tactic where fraudsters combine AI voice cloning with spoofed phone numbers to mimic trusted individuals. Google’s solution uses a digital verification process, ensuring calls originate from the actual device rather than a cloned voice. This method aims to prevent victims from falling for impersonation schemes, even if the AI-generated voice sounds authentic. The feature is rolling out globally through Phone by Google on Android 12 and newer devices, beginning with Pixel smartphones. Built on Rich Communication Services (RCS), it may also enable other apps and companies to adopt similar protections. Google’s approach shifts the focus from trusting voices to verifying the source of the call, addressing the limitations of AI-driven scams. As scammers increasingly use AI to make fraud more convincing, this system provides an additional layer of security for Android users. The rollout highlights Google’s effort to combat evolving cybercrime tactics by leveraging device verification rather than voice authentication alone.