Google has introduced a new fake call detection feature in its Phone app to identify AI deepfake impersonation scams on Android devices running Android 12 or higher. The feature is rolling out globally in June 2026, initially on Pixel phones and will expand to all compatible Android 12+ devices with Phone by Google installed [1, 2, 3].

The detection technology works by verifying calls from trusted contacts using a silent confirmation signal sent over Rich Communication Services (RCS) in real time between devices running Phone by Google. Google explained that when both the caller and receiver use the app with RCS enabled, "their device sends a silent confirmation signal in real time to your device to verify the call is legitimate and truly coming from the contact's device" [4, 2, 5].

If that confirmation signal is missing—indicating a possible spoofed or AI deepfake call—the app instantly displays a warning urging the user to hang up immediately. Google noted that "that initial confirmation signal will be missing," and "your device will instantly notice this and ping your contact’s actual device to double-check" [2].

The feature is enabled by default on all Android phones running Android 12 or above that have the Phone by Google app installed. However, both parties must use Phone by Google with RCS enabled to send and receive verification signals [1, 4, 3, 5]. The detection is built on end-to-end encrypted RCS to maintain user privacy [4, 2, 5].

The launch comes amid rising losses from impersonation fraud. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission tracked nearly $3 billion in losses from voice and impersonation scams in 2024 alone. The FBI reported Americans lost $893 million to AI-related phone scams in 2025 [1, 4, 3]. Google called impersonation fraud "one of the most common types of financial scams" [1].

Along with the fake call detection feature, Google is releasing AI-powered updates to other Android apps like Google Photos wardrobe, Circle to Search, and Google Play Books to enhance user experience [4, 2, 3, 5].

The rollout will continue through June and beyond, expanding availability beyond Pixel devices to other Android models running Android 12 or higher.