Have you ever received a text message or phone call from someone asking you to verify your identity by sending them a code?
If you already have one, you may be the target of a Google Voice verification code scam.
This is a sneaky and dangerous scam that allows scammers to take over your phone number and use it to scam others.
Woman taking photos to sell products (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
What is Google Voice?
Google Voice is a free service that lets you make and receive calls, texts, and voicemails online. You can use it on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. You can also link your Google Voice number to your existing phone number, so you can use both numbers interchangeably.
Google Voice has many useful and helpful features, including voicemail transcription, call forwarding, spam filtering, custom greetings, international calling, and Google Assistant integration. However, Google Voice also has a verification process that requires you to enter a code sent to your phone number. Here comes the scammer.
Beware of this sneaky Google attack that steals expired cookies
Google voice verification code (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
What is Google Voice verification fraud?
Google Voice Verification Scam is a known scam. According to the F.T.C., However, it is not widely known to the general public. Here’s how it works:
First, the scammer will contact you Pretend to be interested in buying something from you, hiring you, going on a date with you, or any other plausible reason via text, email, or phone call. They may use fake names, photos, and profiles to lure you.
The scammer will then ask you to verify your identity. By submitting codes that claim to be from Google, Craigslist, Facebook, or other platforms. You might say this is for safety, validation, or confirmation.
The scammer then actually begins the Google Voice setup process. using your phone number. Request a verification code from Google, which will be sent to your phone number via text or phone call.
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The scammer will then ask you to transfer the code. Or give us the code over the phone. In this case, you can forward or tell them the code and it will be entered to complete your Google Voice setup. This means that the other person will have access to your girlfriend’s Google Voice account and number and can use it to make calls online, send and receive texts, and receive voicemails. . What makes this difficult is that financial institutions often send similar codes to confirm transactions, so if a scammer owns your girlfriend’s Google Voice account, they won’t be able to authorize transactions from your account. This is something that could happen.
Finally, scammers can also use your Google Voice number Impersonate yourself or someone else to deceive others. You can also access personal information such as contacts, messages, and voicemails that are linked to your Google Voice account.
Google Voice Verification code text example (FTC)
Isn’t this fraud obvious?
That’s what you think, right? But even the most experienced sellers, who have dealt with their fair share of complex scams, are brand new to online sellers. Facebook Marketplace. The reason Google Voice authentication scams are so effective is because these scammers use manipulation to carry out their scams.
By telling them that you need to see if you can be trusted, Facebook Marketplace sellers can say, “Of course I can be trusted, and I’m willing to do everything I can to prove it. If this person is someone you can trust, it’s an opportunity to prove to them that you’re willing to do whatever it takes. I’m interested in purchasing from me. ”
After all, it’s common for online buyers to want to verify sellers and ensure that the products they’re purchasing are genuine. However, the lack of regulation on Facebook Marketplace makes both sellers and buyers vulnerable to fraud. Unfortunately, merchants tend not to give this scam a second thought until it’s too late.
What to do if you become a victim of a Google Voice scam
If you’ve fallen victim to a Google Voice verification code scam, there’s no need to panic. There are several steps you can take to get your phone number back and protect your identity. Here’s what you should do:
Change your Google Account password and enable two-factor authentication on another device. This ensures that fraudsters who may have compromised your primary device cannot thwart these security measures. This prevents scammers from gaining access to your Google account and other services linked to it, such as Gmail, YouTube, and Google Photos. . You should also regularly check your account activity and review your security settings for suspicious or unauthorized actions or devices.
Report scams to the FTC and local authorities. You can file a complaint. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also contact your local police station and file a report. Provide as much information as possible about the scam and scammer and keep a copy of the report for your records.
Monitor your credit report and bank statement. Scammers may try to obtain your personal and financial information from your Google Voice account or other sources and use it to commit identity theft or fraud. You should check your credit report regularly for errors or suspicious activity. He can get a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at www.annualcreditreport.com. You should also review your bank statements and notify your bank if you notice any unauthorized transactions or charges.
Use Identity Theft Protection. Identity theft protection companies monitor your personal information, such as your household title, social security number, phone number, and email address, and alert you if it is used to open an account. It can also help freeze bank and credit card accounts to prevent further misuse by criminals.
If you want a service that will walk you through every step of the reporting and recovery process, one of the best ways to protect yourself from this type of fraud is to register with an identity theft service. Check out our tips and recommendations on how to protect yourself from identity theft..
More information: Stop V-Day scams before they damage your heart and bank account.
How to get your Google Voice number back if someone stole it
Google Voice works by linking to your real phone number (although some people choose a completely new number). If you try to link your phone number and find that it’s claimed (and you don’t remember linking it yourself), that means someone else has your number.
Whether they got it because you were a victim of this Google Voice verification scam or they got it some other way, they got your Google Voice number. Follow the steps. Google Help To get your phone number back and prevent further damage from hackers.
3 ways to avoid Google Voice verification code scams
The best way to avoid Google Voice verification code scams is to be cautious and cautious online. Here are some tips to help spot and prevent scams.
1. Do not share your verification code with others. The verification code can only be used for your eyes. This does not prove your identity or confirm anything. If someone asks you to send them a code or gives them a code over the phone, that’s a red flag that they’re trying to scam you. Google, Craigslist, Facebook, or any other legitimate platform will never ask for a verification code.
2. Do your research and trust your instincts. Before engaging with someone online, conduct a background check to confirm their identity and trustworthiness.search engines, social media, or reverse phone lookup Tools to learn more about them. You can also ask for references, reviews, and testimonials from previous customers and partners.
3. If something seems too good to be true or too fishy to be real, it probably is. Trust your instincts and stay away from deals and offers that make you feel uncomfortable or suspicious.
More information: How to protect yourself from social media scammers
Cart important points
Google Voice verification code scam is a sophisticated and dangerous scam that can steal your phone number, Google Account, and identity. By understanding how this scam works and following the tips above, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling prey to this scam.
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