Scammers are becoming smarter every day and find new methods to trick people. One of the latest additions to the fraudulent activities is the Google Voice verification code scam.

The scammer mainly targets people who are trying to sell items online, find their lost pets or are looking for jobs. They manipulate people to give them a Google Voice verification code. Then they use the code to create a Google Voice number linked to the victim’s phone.

In this article, we will explain how to avoid Google Voice verification fraud to protect yourself from falling victim to it.

What Is Google Voice?

Google Voice is a call app that you can open with a Google account. It generates a phone number that you can use to send and receive text messages and voicemails over the Internet. You can access Google Voice from both a computer and a smartphone with an internet connection.

Android users can enable Google Voice in the Google app settings. Meanwhile, iPhone users have to download the app from the App Store and turn it on in settings. Google Voice offers free texts and calls in the US and Canada, and low-cost international calls. It also has features like call blocking, call forwarding, and custom voicemail greetings.

To get a free Google Voice number, you need a US phone number. You can receive calls from anyone for free, but you need to add credits to call outside the US and Canada.

Why Do Scammers Want Access to Your Number?

Criminals want to steal Google Voice because it provides a free and untraceable phone number. They can use the number for scams without getting caught.

On the other hand, Google Voice is only available in the United States and must be linked to a U.S. phone number. Scammers outside the U.S. don’t have access to a U.S. number, so they find someone who has.

How Does the Google Voice Verification Code Scam Work?

Scammers target people selling items on sites like OfferUp, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. They also target those looking for lost pets.

 

The scammer contacts their target and says they want to buy that listed item or they have found the lost pet.  They then come up with excuses to ask the victim to share the Google Voice verification code. They might pretend to be cautious and say they need to verify the person’s real identity. To do so, the person has to share a 6-digit code from Google with them.

When the victim agrees to this, the scammer sets up a Google Voice account with the number they found online and proceeds with the verification. Google send the 6-digit code to the victim’s phone and they share it with the scammer. With those digits, the scammer confirms they have access to the U.S. number. Once the verification is done, they can use the Google Voice number to scam others.

What Can Someone Do With Your Google Voice Code?

Is it really a big deal if a stranger uses a number linked to your Google account? Sadly, the answer is yes. See what happens if a criminal uses your account.

Engage in Illegal Activities That Could Be Linked to You

Scammers connect your phone number to their Google Voice number and use it to commit crimes like fraud and identity theft. You might be totally unaware of this since it’s linked to their Google Voice account, not your personal number.

After a crime happens, law enforcement checks out the account related to it. They may present a warrant or subpoena to Google. Google will then provide information about the scammer’s account, including your linked phone number. In this way, law enforcement mistakenly tracks you down as the suspect for crimes the scammer committed.

Trick Your Acquaintances Using Your Phone Number

Your friends and family will most likely trust you if you say you are in danger and need some money urgently. Scammers utilize this chance. They pretend to be you by calling or texting your close acquaintances and want money or any personal information. Your relatives will easily believe them and send help to you. 

Open New Accounts or Create New Identity

Hackers and scammers can use your real name and phone number to start stealing your identity. With just these details, they can begin opening new accounts and creating a false identity without you knowing. Once scammers get hold of one piece of your information, they can search for more. 

They might use your phone number to find out your name and other personal details. Then they use that data to open accounts in your name. These could be fake social media profiles or email accounts.

You Might Loose Control Over Your Online Accounts

Normally, when you enable 2FA on your email or social media accounts, a verification code is sent to your registered phone number as an added security measure. However, if scammers have set up call forwarding, they receive these codes instead of you. As a result, they can bypass the need for your password when logging into your accounts. By using the intercepted 2FA codes, scammers gain unauthorized access to your online accounts.

To do this, scammers will first set up text message forwarding so that all texts sent to your phone number go to the Google Voice number they control. Then they will search for your email addresses or usernames linked to your personal number. They also look for accounts that allow sign-in using just a phone number.

After that, they will try to log in to websites like social media, email, or banks using your email address. They click “forgot password” and choose the option to verify their identity with a code sent to the phone number on the account.

How To Protect Yourself Against Google Voice Scams

Google Voice scams are tricky because they don’t always ask for your personal details. Hopefully, the below steps will be helpful for you to stay safe.

Keep your code a secret: To avoid Google Voice scams, never share the code Google Voice sends you with anyone, no exceptions!

Don’t share extra info: If someone asks for more personal info to prove you’re not a scammer, there is a high chance that they are the scammer.

Be careful where you share your number: Avoid posting your phone number online or in public places. Hackers can do a lot of damage with just your number.

Avoid shady payments: Anyone asking for payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or weird money orders is likely a scammer. Be careful with payment apps too, unless you know the person.

Sell smart online: If you are selling something online, be extra cautious. If you sense something wrong or unusual, trust your gut.

Choose verified buyers: When selling online, use platforms that let you check if a buyer is trustworthy.

Stay on the platform: When selling online, finalize everything on the platform itself. Avoid giving out extra info like your email.

Meet in person safely: If you must meet a buyer, do it in a public, well-lit place where you feel comfortable.

Watch your accounts: Keep an eye on your online accounts and credit for suspicious activity. Consider a credit monitoring app to warn you of fraud.

Strengthen your online defenses: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and consider a password manager to keep all your accounts secure.

Google Voice Scam Resolution

If you have already fallen victim to a Google Voice scam, follow the below steps to recover your account and protect yourself

Get Your Number Back

Go to the Google Voice website. Sign up for a Google Voice number, but use a different phone number this time. It could be a landline, your work phone, or a trusted friend or family member’s number. Once you get a code by text or call, go to settings on Google Voice.

Under settings, you can add a new linked number. If your number is currently used by the scammer, Google will ask if you want to get it back. If you don’t see this message, the scammer probably won’t use the number anymore.

Once you get your number back, you can remove the temporary number you used first.

Now, follow the next step to make sure this doesn’t happen again!

Change your passwords

Set up “two-factor authentication” (2FA) for your accounts. This makes it extra hard for scammers to get in, even if they have your phone number. Don’t use text messages (SMS) for 2FA, use an app instead.

You should also report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center what happened. You can submit your complaint online at IdentityTheft.gov.

 

Final Words

Don’t let scammers steal your identity! Google Voice verification code scams are a growing threat, but you can fight back. By understanding how the scam works and following the steps in this article, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Remember, a little caution can save you a lot of trouble.

Stay informed and stay safe!