Android I/O: Surfshark's Alternative ID will make Android 17's 'Spoofing Protection' feature even better at stopping scam calls

One of the most useful features launched at Android I/O 2026 is Android 17's 'Spoofing Protection' system. It's designed to recognise calls from scammers and end them before they can extract your bank details. But how about combining that with a system that prevents the bad guys from getting your real phone number in the first place?

Surfshark VPN includes a tool called Alternative ID. It's a feature which generates a whole fake persona for you – name, billing address and an email and phone number which even routes your messages and calls to your real inbox and cell.

Instead of handing over your real credentials when you sign up for websites and services, you just palm them off with your spoofed ones instead. Then, when you find you're getting a bit too much spam and too many nuisance calls, you axe that Alternative ID persona and generate another one.

That way, you keep your real details safe and minimise your chances of getting scam calls in the first place. And, should any still make it through, then hopefully Android 17 and Spoofing Protection can catch the rest.

Surfshark Starter | 2 years + 3 months
Was: $2.29 per month
Now: $1.99 per month at Surfshark
Surfshark's Alternative ID allows you to generate multiple fake IDs. Each one comes with a made-up email address and phone number which you can use to register for untrustworthy websites and services. You'll still get your calls and emails but you can cut the fake credentials loose if you ever think they're compromised. We rate Surfshark as the best cheap VPN available. Give it a try with Surfshark's 30-day money-back guarantee. (Alternative phone number is only available in the US).

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Alternative ID is available with all three of Surfshark's price tiers. That means you only need Surfshark Starter to get it, which is excellent because it's discounted to less than $2 per month right now. It still includes the full VPN functionality too.

The only catch for some is that the Alternative Phone Number tool is only available in the US at the moment. The rest of the ID, including the email aliasing, can be used by anyone, though, no matter where you are.

We rate Surfshark as the best cheap VPN and the second best VPN overall. It will do the job for any general browsing protection, location spoofing and Netflix streaming too.

Take a look at more of what's new with Android 17 or read more about Alternative ID too.