Google Verification Code Scam

Google Verification Code: How The Scam Works

Watch out for a new Google verification code scam going around these days. In this article, you will see how the scam works, variations of the fraud using other verification traps, and – very important – what to do if you accidentally shared your Google voice verification code. Let’s start.

The Google verification code scam is a scheme where scammers trick their victims into disclosing a verification code that can associate a bogus phone number with the victim's phone.

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The scam works by sending a text message to the victim with a Google Voice verification code and then asking the victim for that code. Then, if the victim gives the verification code to the scammer, they can use it to “prove” they have access to the victim's U.S. number.

The scammers can then use this number to rip off other people and conceal their identity. Sometimes, the scammers are after other information about the victim, and if they get enough of it, they could pretend to be the victim to access their accounts or open new accounts in their name. The scammers may also use the verification code to create a fraudulent Google Voice account in the victim's name that is used to scam others.

To avoid falling victim to this scam, it is important to never share your Google Voice verification code with anyone if you didn't contact them first. If someone asks you to share a Google Voice verification code with them, don't do it. However, it is also recommended to only do business in person with verified funds and to take your time while selling items online.

Scam Variations Using Other Google Verification Tricks

Here are some variations of the Google verification code scam:

1. Interested buyer scam. Scammers pretend to be interested buyers in something you have listed for sale and ask you to verify your identity by sending them a Google verification code.
2. Changes to your account scam. Crooks send you a message claiming that changes were made to your account by someone else and ask you to verify your identity by sending them a Google verification code.
3. Unsolicited message scam. Scammers send you an unsolicited message via email or text message demanding a Google Voice verification code that you did not ask for.
4. Old device scam. Criminals also send you a message claiming that someone signed into your account from an old device and ask you to verify your identity by sending them a Google verification code.
5. Selling items online scam. Scammers look for people selling items online and then message them as if they are an interested buyer. Then, the criminals proceed to have a Google Voice verification code sent to the seller. They then ask the seller to share the code to verify that they are a real seller.

No matter what the story is, it is important to never share your Google Voice verification code with anyone if you didn’t contact them first. If someone asks you to share a Google Voice verification code with them, don't do it.

What To Do If You Accidentally Shared Your Google Voice Verification Code

If you accidentally shared your Google Voice verification code, here are some steps you can take:

• Change your Google password. Go to your Google account settings and change your password immediately to prevent the scammer from accessing your account.
• Reclaim your number. If you gave someone your Google Voice verification code, follow the steps from Google to reclaim your number.
• Report the scam. See in the next paragraphs how.
• Enable two-step verification. Turn on the two-step verification process for Google to add an extra layer of security to your account.
• Be cautious. Be cautious of any unsolicited messages or calls asking for your Google Voice verification code. Don't share your Google Voice verification code or any verification code with someone if you didn't contact them first.

Remember, it is important to act quickly if you accidentally shared your Google Voice verification code. You need to prevent the scammer from accessing your account and personal information.

How To Contact Google Support For Assistance With a Verification Code Issue

If you need assistance with a verification code issue on Google, here are some ways to contact Google support:

1. Google account help center:
   Visit the Google account help center and search for your issue. You can find answers to common issues related to verification codes and two-step verification.
2. Google Voice support:
   If you have an issue with Google Voice verification code, go to https://voice.google.com and click the “Get a Voice number” link if you have never created a Voice account. Follow the instructions to get help with your issue.
3. Contact Google support:
   If you can't find a solution to your issue, you can contact Google support directly. Go to the Google support page, select the product you need help with, and follow the instructions to contact support.

Remember, it is important to be cautious of any unsolicited messages or calls asking for your Google Voice verification code. Don't share your Google Voice verification code or any verification code with someone if you didn't contact them first.

How To Report a Scam

Let your close family and online friends know about Google Voice verification code scam. Feel free to share this page if it was helpful. Meanwhile, you can report scammers and any other suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) using the portal below:

Report To The FTC Here

How To Protect Yourself More

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Meanwhile, feel free to educate yourself with some other fraud-related articles. They are listed under this paragraph, so that you know more about online security. Last but not least, if you have any bad experiences, make sure to use the comments section below to expose other scammers.

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