# DetectifAI launches deepfake voice detection for phones to stop scams

Digest AI · Society & Work · published 2026-09-28T15:00:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/detectifai-launches-deepfake-voice-detection-for-phones-to-stop-scams

## Summary

The founder of DetectifAI, Tarini Padmanabhuni, created her company after her grandfather fell victim to a deepfake voice scam two years ago. The fraudster used an AI-generated imitation of her grandfather’s brother’s voice to demand a ransom, tricking him into paying before he realized it was fake. Padmanabhuni now aims to prevent such scams by embedding deepfake detection directly into smartphones, rather than relying on cloud-based solutions that require internet connectivity.

DetectifAI’s software development kit (SDK) is designed to run on-device, delivering instant results for voice calls, messages, and other audio without sending data to external servers. The company targets phone manufacturers first, licensing its tech to integrate into operating systems. Padmanabhuni compares this to AT&T’s role in the original iPhone launch, arguing that the first manufacturer to adopt DetectifAI will gain a competitive edge. The startup already generates revenue by processing over 100,000 calls monthly for financial institutions in India, using AI voice agents for debt collections and loan follow-ups. DetectifAI has secured a small seed round from investors including Josh Constine and Manohar Kamath, and will compete in TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield at Disrupt 2026.

## Key points

- DetectifAI’s SDK detects deepfake voices on-device without cloud dependency, targeting phone manufacturers
- Over 100,000 calls processed monthly for Indian financial institutions using AI voice agents
- Startup raised a small seed round from investors Josh Constine and Manohar Kamath

## Why it matters

On-device deepfake detection could reduce scams by preventing fraudsters from bypassing phone security, protecting vulnerable users like seniors.

## Sources

1. [After a deepfake voice fooled her grandfather, this founder sprang into action](https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/28/after-a-deepfake-voice-fooled-her-grandfather-this-founder-sprang-into-action) (TechCrunch AI, 2026-09-28)

## Cite

Digest AI, "DetectifAI launches deepfake voice detection for phones to stop scams", 28 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/detectifai-launches-deepfake-voice-detection-for-phones-to-stop-scams

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