en.Wedoany.com Reported - Google has launched a fake call detection feature for Android to combat impersonation scams. When both parties in a call are using the Phone by Google app on Android 12 or higher, the feature can detect and flag potentially fraudulent calls. The feature will roll out globally this month, first on Pixel devices.
Google researchers stated that the feature helps users guard against AI voice cloning scams (deepfake attacks) involving contacts by identifying whether the caller is impersonating someone else. Scammers typically impersonate contacts in two ways: by spoofing phone numbers, routing calls through web-based software to display a known contact's number, or by using AI voice cloning technology to mimic family members, employers, or other trusted individuals. Criminals need only a few seconds of audio to clone a person's voice using online videos, social media posts, or other public recordings. Such scams initially targeted individuals, especially the elderly, but are increasingly being used for social engineering, fraud, and impersonation attacks against businesses.
The fake call detection feature is enabled by default and runs in the background, functioning as a digital handshake between two devices using the Phone by Google app. When a contact calls, their device sends a silent confirmation signal to verify the call's legitimacy, using end-to-end encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS) technology. If a scammer attempts to impersonate a contact, the initial confirmation signal is missing, and the receiving device then checks with the contact's device. If the contact's device indicates it did not place the call, the receiving screen displays a warning suggesting that someone may be impersonating the contact's number and advises hanging up.
Users can disable the feature in the Phone by Google app settings. The app comes pre-installed as the default calling app on most Android devices; if a device uses another calling app, users can download it from the Play Store and set it as the default. Google stated that the feature is built on RCS, allowing other apps and device manufacturers to adopt the technology.
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