Google Brings Fake Call Detection to Android

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Google continues to improve Android security to protect users from scams and online fraud. The company has now introduced a fake call detection feature within the Phone by Google app to keep you safe from impersonation scams. The feature is currently rolling out for Pixel phones, though other Android devices, including Samsung Galaxy models, could get it later.

Android’s fake call detection aims to combat impersonation scams

In recent years, phone scams have become sophisticated, with scammers adopting impersonation tactics. They spoof phone numbers and pretend to be a family member, friend, or colleague during a call to trick targets into sharing personal information or sending money. AI deepfake tools allow them to mimic the voices of trusted people.

Google aims to combat this threat with a fake call detection feature on Android. The feature verifies whether a call is coming from a genuine contact through a silent confirmation signal in real time. However, both the caller and recipient must be using the Phone by Google app for the system to work. This acts as a digital handshake using end-to-end encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS) technology.

Now, when a scammer tries to impersonate your contacts, you will get a warning on your screen to hang up immediately. “This proactive alert helps you avoid falling victim to deepfake impersonation and call spoofing in real time,” said the company. You can also disable the feature on the phone’s calling app settings page.

If your device runs Android 12 or later, you can use the feature by installing the Phone by Google app. Make sure to set it as your default phone app. However, if you use a non-Pixel Android device, you will have to wait until Google expands the rollout to more smartphones.

Google also allows other apps and device manufacturers to adopt the technology. This means Samsung could eventually bring fake call detection to its own phone app. Maybe with One UI 9, we shall find out soon.

Written by

Binay Konwar

Binay Konwar started his blogging journey in 2014 and has since written plenty of tech articles. At present, he is working as a News Writer at SammyGuru, covering everything about Samsung. He holds a Master's degree in Mathematics, but his real passion lies in tech and writing. In his free time, he enjoys playing chess and watching movies.

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