Android cracks down on AI deepfake scam calls
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Matt and I did an episode on our Cybersecured podcast some time back on Facebook AI hackers, about how scammers use AI to deepfake people you might know to fool you into giving up passwords or financial information. This is a HUGE problem by the way. According to Interpol's March 2026 Global Financial Fraud Threat Assessment, impersonation fraud is one of the leading categories in cybercrime, contributing to more than $440 billion in global losses last year. Coincidentally, that number matches Iran's GDP for 2025...go figure.
The good news is that if you or someone you know has an Android phone, Google has released a new security feature that fights back against these types of impersonation scams. You can see how it works in this 1 minute video:
They are addressing two widespread fraud tactics: scammers spoofing a familiar contact's phone number while simultaneously using AI voice-cloning technology to mimic that person's voice.
For years we've all relied on caller ID to filter phone calls, but this strategy just doesn't work anymore. Scammers have become really sophisticated at masking, spoofing and changing their voices and caller ID info.
The Takeaway
I've put together 3 ways to avoid deepfake scam phone calls that you can share with friends, family and coworkers:
Don't trust the voice alone. AI can now clone anyone's voice from just a short audio clip. If the call feels urgent, strange, or emotional, slow down before reacting.
When in doubt, hang up and call back. And, don’t use the number they called from or a number they gave you. Call the person, bank, vendor or coworker using a number you already trust.
Use a simple “safe word” for family and staff. Pick a phrase known only by your inner circle. If someone calls asking for money, passwords, gift cards or sensitive info, ask for the safe word. If the word is wrong, no can!
If you have an Android phone, you can install Phone by Google from the Play Store and set it as your default phone app to start using this new security feature. Sorry iPhone users, we'll have to wait for Apple on this one...
Stay safe out there.
-Attila
New Friday Funnies!
Some funny lines for answering spam calls:
“Hello, you’ve reached the Department of Small Miracles. How may I disappoint you today?”
“I don’t make decisions without consulting my cat. Hold please.”
“This is Howard’s time-travel hotline. Which century are you calling from?”
“Wrong number. This is a tofu farm.”
“Thank you for calling the secret society hotline. Password?”
“I’m currently rebooting my computer. Can you call me later?”
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