Google Voice verification code scam: Here's what we know and how to fix

In recent months, there have been reports (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) of scammers using Google Voice verification codes to scam people on Facebook marketplace and Craigslist.

The scammers typically contact potential victims and claim to have found their lost pet or offer a deal that is too good to be true.

They then ask for the victim’s Google Voice verification code, which is used to verify phone numbers.

Happened to me after I posted on Craigslist about a lost DL in downtown SD. Wanted me to give him a Google Voice verification code to “make sure I was who I said I was before they gave me my ID ” luckily a good Samaritan found it and hand delivered it to me out of pure kindness.
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Google Voice scam
I was selling something on FB Marketplace and gave someone my Google Voice verification code. I immediately thought something was weird, and to my horror realized it was a scam
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It is important to note that, in this case, your privacy is not compromised, as scammers cannot access personal information with just a verification code.

However, it is important to not share your verification code with anyone, as it can be used to take over your Google Voice account.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released a consumer alert on this scam, outlining how it works and how to avoid it.

The FTC advises people to never share their verification code with anyone, to be wary of unsolicited messages or calls, and to not trust offers that are too good to be true.

If you have fallen for this scam and have shared your verification code, you should immediately change your Google Voice password and update your recovery information.

You should also contact Google customer support for further assistance.

It is also important to note that this is not the only way scammers can take over your Google Voice account. They can also try to guess your password or use phishing or malware to gain access to your account.

Therefore, it is important to always use a strong, unique password and to be cautious of suspicious emails or links.

The Google Voice verification code scam is an ongoing issue, and it is important to be aware of the danger and take steps to protect yourself.

To remove your number from being linked to an unknown Google Voice account following this method. This does not make the number eligible to be used to obtain a new number from Google if it was previously linked to Google Voice.
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Following the aforementioned steps can be a great way to prohibit a number from being linked to an unknown Google Voice account.

Remember to never share your verification code, be mindful of unsolicited messages or calls, and not trust ‘exciting’ offers.

We hope that Google works to make the system more secure and finds a way out to catch the culprits as soon as possible.

Until then, watch this space as we will update it with noteworthy developments, if any.

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