Nearly HALF of Britons receive 'suspicious calls' and spam, Google's latest Android update wants to stop them

Android is cracking down on scam calls.Nearly one in two Britons received a suspicious call in early 2025, according to Ofcom, and the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making these scams even more convincing.Scammers can now use AI to clone a person's voice so accurately that it sounds like a family member, your boss, or even your bank calling. They can also fake phone numbers, making caller ID appear legitimate and adding another layer of deception. If successful, they could convince you to hand over your information and use it to steal your identity, drain your existing bank accounts, take out loans or mobile contracts in your name, or sell your data to other cybercriminals. To help protect you, Android has introduced Fake Call Detection, a new feature designed to spot potential scam calls and warn you before fraudsters can do any real damage. Google said in a blog post: Marking a major milestone in mobile security, fake call detection helps protect you, your family and friends by identifying when a caller isn’t who they claim to be, giving you an extra layer of defense against sophisticated AI-voice cloning scams, also called deepfake attacks, of your contacts. The new feature is set up to work automatically in the background through Phone by Google — the US tech firm's default phone-calling app for Android devices. It handles everyday calling features such as:Making and receiving phone callsViewing call historyAccessing voicemail (on supported carriers)Caller ID and spam protectionCall screening and scam detection featuresHold for Me and Direct My Call (on supported devices)The app comes pre-installed on several Android phones, including handsets like the Galaxy S26 series and the Google Pixel 10. Android has achieved this by creating a digital handshake silently between phones. For instance, when someone in your contacts rings you and you're both using Phone by Google, their device sends a confirmation signal to yours in real time. This all happens through end-to-end encrypted RCS technology, so it's meant to be completely private.If a scammer tries to impersonate that contact, the confirmation signal won't be there. Your phone notices this immediately and checks with your contact's actual device. If their phone confirms it's not making a call, you'll get an instant warning telling you to hang up.The feature is being rolled out globally this month to any Android device running version 12 or newer, with Pixel phone owners being treated to it first.And Google isn't the only company attempting to look out for your safety. Your mobile service provider may also have a few protection measures in place.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSNew Oura Ring update brings one of the Ring 5's most exciting features to Ring 4Shokz rivals Bose and Sony with its new clip-on Bluetooth earbuds for under £180End of Freeview? UK looks to 'switch off terrestrial television' and replace it with broadbandBest VPN dealsMicrosoft launches game-changing Windows 11 updateThe UK's biggest mobile networks, like EE, O2, Sky, and Vodafone, recently joined forces to crack down on scam calls. They've come together to launch a landmark charter designed to protect customers from the criminals behind the spate of scam calls and text messages.Additionally, Vodafone recently launched its own version of fraud monitoring with Scam Call Protection, a new feature designed to help you identify fraudulent, spam, scam, and nuisance calls before answering. Using round-the-clock monitoring, the service analyses incoming calls and flags known scam numbers or suspicious activity, providing an extra layer of protection in the background. You can receive a clear on-screen warning for potential scam calls. The feature is included with Vodafone Secure Net Mobile, which also offers 24/7 ID monitoring, virus and malware protection, and parental controls. If you want to test it before committing, Vodafone offers Secure Net Mobile for free for the first three months and £2 per month thereafter. The mobile provider has released this in addition to its recent security boost for thousands of users.Virgin Media O2 offers something similar to millions of customers with its call identification system called Brand ID — the anti-spam filter will check the identity of an incoming call and display the details of the organisation on-screen.And EE offers Scam Guard, which is a security add-on that helps protect you from scam calls, texts, emails, and malicious websites. Using AI-powered detection and network-level call screening, it's meant to automatically label suspicious incoming calls with warnings such as Suspected Scam or Likely Nuisance before you answer. The service also includes dark web monitoring, device security, and password management tools for an additional £2 per month. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter