Have you ever gotten a text message or a phone call from someone requesting that you prove your identity by sending them a code? If so, you may have been targeted by the Google Voice verification code fraud. This is a cunning and dangerous scam in which scammers take your phone number and use it to defraud others.
What is Google Voice?
Google Voice is a free service that allows you to send and receive calls, texts, and voicemails online. You can use it on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. You can also link your Google Voice number with your existing phone number, allowing you to use both numbers interchangeably. Google Voice includes several simple and useful features, including voicemail transcription, call forwarding, spam filtering, custom greetings, international calling, and Google Assistant integration. However, Google Voice has a verification process that asks you to input a code given to your phone number. This is where the scammers step in.
What is the Google Voice Verification Scam?
According to the FTC, the Google Voice Verification Scam is a well-known scam, although the general public is less aware of it. This is how it works.
First, the scammer contacts you by text, email, or phone, claiming to be interested in purchasing from you, hiring you, dating you, or for any other convincing purpose. They may use a phony name, photo, or profile to entice you in.
Second, the fraudster requests that you authenticate your identity by emailing them a code that they claim comes from Google, Craigslist, Facebook, or any other network. They may explain that this is for security, verification, or confirmation purposes.
The scammer then commences the Google Voice setup process using your phone number. They seek a verification code from Google, which is subsequently sent to your phone number via SMS or call.
The fraudster then asks you to send them the code or inform them over the phone. In this situation, if you send or give them the code, they will input it to finish the Google Voice setup. This means they now have access to your Google Voice account and number, allowing anyone to make calls, send and read texts, and receive voicemails online. Where this gets complicated is that financial companies frequently transmit similar numbers to verify transactions, so if the scammer has access to your Google Voice account, they may approve transactions from your account.
Finally, the fraudster may utilize your Google Voice number to defraud others by impersonating you or another person. They can also access your personal information, such as contacts, messages, and voicemails associated with your Google Voice account.
Isn’t this an apparent scam?
You would think, right? However, even the most seasoned vendors, who have dealt with their fair share of complicated scams, are unfamiliar to those on Facebook Marketplace. The Google Voice verification fraud has been so successful because the criminals utilize manipulation to accomplish their goal.
Telling you that they need to check whether or not you are trustworthy prompts Facebook Marketplace sellers to demonstrate, “Of course I am trustworthy, and I’m willing to do whatever I can to prove it, especially if this person is interested in buying from me.”
After all, it is usual for an online customer to want to establish that the seller and the things they are purchasing are authentic. However, due to a lack of rules on Facebook Marketplace, both vendors and buyers are vulnerable to scams. Unfortunately, sellers often ignore this scam until it is too late.
What to do if you are a victim of the Google Voice scam?
If you’ve fallen victim to the Google Voice verification code hoax, don’t worry. There are certain steps you may take to regain your phone number while also protecting your identity. Here’s what you should do.
Change your Google account password and turn on two-factor authentication on a separate device. It prevents the scammer, who may have compromised your primary device, from interfering with these security measures. This will prevent the scammer from accessing your Google account and any other services associated with it, such as Gmail, YouTube, or Google Photos. You should also check your account activity and security settings on a regular basis to ensure that there are no suspicious or illegal actions or devices.
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission and your local authorities. You can complain to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also notify your local police agency and make a report. Provide as much information as possible regarding the scam and the perpetrator, and preserve a copy of the report for your records.
Examine your credit records and bank statements. The scammer may have obtained your personal or financial information from your Google Voice account or another source and attempted to exploit it for identity theft or fraud. You should routinely examine your credit reports for inaccuracies or questionable activity. Every year, you can acquire a free credit report from each of the three main credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at www.annualcreditreport.com. You should also monitor your bank statements and notify the bank if you discover any unlawful activities or expenses.
Use identity theft protection: Identity theft protection businesses can monitor personal information such as your home address, Social Security number (SSN), phone number, and email address and notify you if it is being used to register a new account. They can also help you freeze your bank and credit card accounts to prevent future unlawful use by crooks.
How to regain your Google Voice number if it was stolen?
Google Voice connects to your existing phone number (although some individuals choose to use a different number entirely). If you go to link your phone number and it says it’s been claimed (and you don’t remember linking it yourself), it means someone has your number.
They now have your Google Voice number, whether it was obtained through a Google Voice verification scam or another means. Follow the actions outlined in Google Help to regain your phone number and keep these hackers from causing more harm.
Three strategies to prevent the Google Voice verification code fraud.
The simplest way to avoid the Google Voice verification code scam is to remain watchful and careful online. Here are a few pointers to help you detect and avoid the scam.
1) Do not share your verification code with anyone. The verification code is for your eyes only. It is not a proof of identity or confirmation of anything. If someone asks you to send them a code or tell them one over the phone, this is a red flag that they are attempting to defraud you. Google, Craigslist, Facebook, and other trustworthy platforms will never ask for your verification code.
2) Do your homework and trust your instincts. Before engaging with someone online, conduct basic background checks to confirm their identity and credibility. You can learn more about them via search engines, social media, or reverse phone lookup tools. You can also ask for recommendations, evaluations, or testimonials from prior clients or partners.
3) If anything appears too good to be true, or too shady to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and avoid any purchase or offer that makes you feel uneasy or suspect.
The Google Voice verification code scam is a smart and deadly deception that can cost you your phone number, Google account, and identity. By understanding how the scam works and following the advice provided above, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to it.
As always, TECH TIME is here to help.