In a post explaining the Phone app update, Google describes impersonation scams as a growing threat, with the FBI reporting that Americans lost over $893 million to scams using AI in 2025. To carry out the attack, scammers spoof one of your contacts’ phone numbers and then use AI-powered tech to make their voice sound like a friend, family member, or authority figure. The Phone by Google app will display a notification if you receive one of these fake calls, saying “Someone may be pretending to call from your contact’s number,” along with the option to end the call.

Google is turning on this feature by default for users with Android 12 and later, starting with Pixel phones. This feature only works if you and a trusted contact both use Phone by Google, as a contact’s device will send a “silent confirmation signal” that verifies the call is actually coming from your friend or family member. If a scammer tries to spoof your contact’s number, “that initial confirmation signal will be missing,” according to Google. The company notes that it built this feature atop end-to-end encrypted rich communication services (RCS) technology, allowing other apps to adopt it.