How to Protect Yourself from Google Voice Verification Scams
Scams are constantly becoming increasingly sophisticated – and the Google Voice verification
scam is a perfect example. This scam can lead to significant inconvenience and potential identity theft. Here’s all you need to know about Google Voice verification scams and how to keep yourself safe.
What is the Google Voice verification scam?
The Google Voice verification scam typically starts with a scammer contacting a target under the guise of responding to an online ad or inquiry the target has posted. The scammer may express interest in buying an item the target is selling or pose as someone who is in need of help. To verify the victim’s legitimacy, they’ll claim they need to send a Google Voice verification code. They’ll ask the victim to share this code with them. Unfortunately, what they are doing during this step is using the victim’s actions to set up a bogus Google Voice account in the victim’s name. Once they have control of this account, they’ll use it to carry out additional scams or fraudulent activities, often masking their identity behind this phone number.
Protect yourself
Follow these tips to protect yourself from falling victim to a Google Voice verification scam:
1. Understand how the scam works
Knowledge is always your first line of defense. Be aware that no legitimate transaction or interaction requires you to share a verification code sent to your phone by Google. If someone asks for this code, it’s a huge red flag. Understanding this basic principle can help you avoid many scams.
2. Do not share verification codes
Never share verification codes with anyone. Verification codes sent to your phone are intended to secure your account; giving these codes to someone else can grant them access to your personal accounts or allow them to set up new accounts in your name.
3. Enable two-factor authentication
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Google account and other sensitive online accounts when possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. This way, even if a scammer gets their hands on your password, they’ll still need the second form of verification to access your account.
4. Verify identities carefully
When dealing with online transactions or interactions, take steps to verify the identity of the person you are dealing with. If someone contacts you about an ad or offer, do some research to ensure they are legitimate. Use trusted platforms and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
5. Monitor your accounts
Regularly monitor your online accounts for any suspicious activity. Check for unauthorized logins, changes to account settings or any other unusual behavior. If you notice anything suspicious, take action immediately by changing your passwords and contacting the platform’s support team.
If you’ve been scammed
If you suspect you have fallen victim to a Google Voice verification scam, take these steps to mitigate the damage:
- Reclaim your Google Voice number. If a scammer has hijacked your Google Voice account, you can reclaim it by following Google’s support instructions. This usually involves proving your identity and verifying your phone number.
- Report the scam. Report the scam to Google and the platform where the scam originated (such as Craigslist or Facebook). This will enable them to take action to prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
- Change your passwords. Change your Google account password and any other passwords that may have been compromised. For maximum security, use strong, unique passwords for each account.CEnable additional security measures. Consider adding more security measures to your accounts, such as security questions or biometric verification. This adds extra layers of protection against unauthorized access.
- Stay vigilant. Staying vigilant is key to protecting yourself from scams. Always be skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal information or verification codes, and educate yourself about the latest scam tactics. By staying informed and cautious, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams.
The Google Voice verification scam is a growing threat, but by understanding how it works and taking proactive steps to keep yourself safe, you can protect your personal information and avoid becoming a victim.
Stay safe!