Google adds AI-backed impersonation alerts to its Phone app
Google is rolling out a new safety feature for Phone by Google that flags incoming calls which appear to be impersonating someone in your contacts. If a scammer calls using the same number as a contact, the Phone app will mark the call as suspicious so you can ignore or hang up before sharing anything sensitive.
The capability is part of Google's June Android drop, which bundles multiple updates across devices. Alongside features like broader AirDrop support and expanded AI try-on tools in Photos, this anti-impersonation alert focuses squarely on consumer safety—helping users spot and avoid AI-enabled voice and spoofing schemes.
The update aims to reduce the effectiveness of social-engineering attacks by giving users a clear, immediate signal when a call looks fraudulent. Google’s approach keeps the interaction simple: no extra apps to install or complicated settings to configure—just an in-call warning that helps people make safer choices in real time.
Tips to stay protected:
- Keep the Phone app and Android system updated so you get the protection as it rolls out.
- If a call is flagged as suspicious, avoid sharing codes or personal information and verify the caller through a separate channel.
- Report repeated scam calls to your carrier and use built-in blocking features to reduce future contact.