Google has launched a new artificial intelligence-powered tool to detect and alert users to fake calls generated by voice-cloning technology, as such scams continue to cause massive global losses estimated at $400 billion.
The feature, rolled out on Wednesday, forms part of Google’s broader effort to protect users from increasingly sophisticated AI-driven fraud. It analyses incoming calls in real time and warns users when it detects signs of synthetic or cloned voices.
Voice cloning scams have surged in recent years, with fraudsters using AI to impersonate relatives, bank officials or government agents to extract money or sensitive information.
A Google spokesperson described the tool as a critical defence against the rising threat.
“We are seeing a dramatic increase in the use of voice cloning in scams. This new detector helps give users the confidence to know when they might be speaking to a synthetic voice,” the spokesperson said.
The rollout comes as cybersecurity experts warn that voice cloning technology has become more accessible and convincing, contributing to the sharp rise in financial losses worldwide.
Google encouraged users to remain vigilant and combine the new tool with traditional verification methods when receiving unexpected calls requesting money or personal details.
