Google Adds Android Alerts for Suspected Spoofed Calls
Summary
Google is rolling out Fake Call Detection on Android 12 and later. When both parties use supported Google apps, encrypted signals help verify calls; if a contact’s device confirms it is not calling, the recipient is warned.
Key points
- Google says Fake Call Detection is rolling out globally to Android 12 and later, starting with Pixel devices, and is enabled by default.
- The feature requires both parties to use Phone by Google; it also relies on Contacts and Google Messages with RCS enabled.
- A caller’s device sends the recipient a silent, encrypted confirmation signal in real time.
- If the signal is missing, the recipient’s device checks with the contact’s phone; a warning appears if that phone confirms it is not placing a call.
- The feature is designed to help counter contact impersonation using caller-ID spoofing and AI voice cloning.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Google is rolling out a new Android feature, “fake call detection,” to warn users about calls that may spoof a known contact and use AI-generated voice impersonation.
- Impact
- The feature checks for a silent, encrypted confirmation signal and, if it is missing, verifies with the contact’s device; if that device says it is not making the call, the recipient is warned to hang up. Google says the feature is enabled by default on Android 12 and later and is rolling out globally, starting with Pixel devices. It requires both callers to use Phone by Google and requires Phone by Google, Contacts, and Google Messages with RCS enabled.
MITRE ATT&CK
Vendors
Products
AndroidGoogle is rolling out a new Android feature called “fake call detection” that uses encrypted confirmation signals to spot scam calls where attackers impersonate personal contacts with AI.Cash Appfor Android in-call scam protection to multiple banks and financial apps in the United States, including Cash App (with 57 million users) and the JPMorganChase mobile banking app (with over 50 million downloads).Google Messages(RCS) open standard and will only work on Android devices where the Phone by Google, Contacts, and Google Messages (with RCS enabled) apps are installed.JPMorganChase mobile banking appand financial apps in the United States, including Cash App (with 57 million users) and the JPMorganChase mobile banking app (with over 50 million downloads).Phone by GoogleOnce activated, it works automatically when both a caller and recipient are using Phone by Google: when a contact places a call, their device sends a silent, encrypted confirmation signal to the recipient’s device inPixelCalled “fake call detection,” the feature is rolling out globally this month to Android 12 and later devices, starting with Pixel devices, and will be enabled by default.