Google announced Tuesday that Android is introducing a new tool to detect fake calls and protect users from AI-powered deepfake impersonation scams. This feature is rolling out globally this month through the Phone by Google app on devices running Android 12 and above, starting with Pixel phones.

As more people avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, scammers have adapted their tactics. They now spoof trusted phone numbers and use AI deepfake technology to mimic the voices of authority figures, family members, or employers. For instance, a person might receive a call showing "Mom" on the caller ID, with a voice that sounds exactly like hers—but it's actually a scammer using AI to impersonate her and request money for a fake emergency.

The new feature is enabled by default and works automatically in the background. Google describes it as a "digital handshake between devices." When a contact calls you and both of you are using Phone by Google, their phone sends a silent confirmation signal to your device to verify the call is legitimate and genuinely from their phone. "If a scammer tries to impersonate your trusted contact, that initial confirmation signal will be missing," Google explained in a blog post. "Your device will instantly notice this and ping your contact’s actual device to double-check. If their real device says, ‘I’m not making a call right now,’ you’ll get a warning on your screen advising you to hang up immediately."

The tech giant notes that this feature was built on top of Rich Communication Services (RCS), allowing other apps and companies to adopt the technology as well. The fake call detection launch was announced alongside several other Android updates. One is a new Google Photos feature that lets users mix and match outfits and try them on virtually. This "wardrobe" tool catalogs the clothes you're wearing in your photo library by turning them into snapshots you can browse on your phone. The feature rolls out next week to eligible users in the U.S., India, and Brazil with Android 10 or higher.

Additionally, Google Play Books is getting a "Catch me up" feature that helps users jump back into a story with a recap. Users can also highlight a passage to ask questions. These features are rolling out today for select English titles. Google is also enhancing its "Circle to Search" tool, now allowing users to search entire outfits at once—eliminating the need to search piece by piece. This update is available now on all Android 14+ devices that support Circle to Search.