Google is expanding Phone by Google with “fake call detection” aimed at reducing impersonation and deepfake-related phone call scams. The feature uses an RCS-based verification process that requires both the caller and recipient to be on Android and using the Phone by Google app, with Google Messages and Google Contacts also installed.
When a contact calls, Google says the system sends a silent, real-time confirmation signal to the recipient’s device to verify that the call is legitimate and originates from the contact’s actual device. Google reports this confirmation signal is end-to-end encrypted via RCS. If a scam or spoofed call fails to include the expected signal, the device initiates a check with the contact’s real device. If that device indicates the contact is not making a call, the recipient receives a warning on-screen advising them to hang up immediately.
Google says the feature is enabled by default and can be turned off by users. It is rolling out globally to Android 12+ devices starting with Pixel phones, and Google says the underlying RCS approach could allow other apps and device makers to adopt similar technology.
