Google Voice Verification Code Scam: Recognize and Avoid

Online scammers never leave any platform to use for hacking and scamming, and Google voice verification code scam is one of them. If you’re an online seller, it’s important for you to be aware of online Google scam, because scammers targeting online sellers to accomplish this scam. If you want to protect yourself from this scam, you first need to learn how to recognize Google voice verification scam and how it works, and then you would be able to protect yourself by following are some robust tips.

What is Google Voice Verification Code Scam?

If you’re selling items online whether, through Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, it’s crucial to be aware of this common Google voice scam. In this scam, scammers are attempting to hijack your personal cell phone number and link it to their Google Voice account so that they can make calls from a USA-based number. Remember, this fraud is complex because con artists hijack real people’s phone numbers and use them to scam other people. Using real numbers and employing this localized approach allows them to get a higher pick-up rate on their phone calls.

How does it work?

Google voice verification code scam is not so complex to understand but as it goes ahead and person to person, it goes complex and after a time you won’t be able to find where it starts from. 

In this scam, scammers usually use Craigslist ads for their activities, which is a website that allows people to list products or services for selling online; scammers use the web service to receive phone numbers from people. Scammers will call sellers as interested buyer pretending to be interested in their ads. On the call, the criminals will ask you for the Google verification code to confirm that you’re a real seller. If you share the code in case, unfortunately, you’re a victim of Google scam now.

A scammer is looking for the victim to share the code with them so they can use it to create a new Google Voice phone number tied to the seller. They then proceed to scam other people using the victim’s name while remaining undetected.

More about Google Voice Verification Code Scam

Here, you can learn more about Google voice verification code scam.

The criminals act like interest buyers and try to convince you to share your Google verification code with them. They use the verification code to create the fraudulent Google Voice account in your name that is used to scam others.

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is also receiving reports from victims who claim to not have a Google voice account. In this scenario, scammers set up a Google Voice account and link it to the phone numbers of the person they call so they can create a fake post selling the same items as a legitimate seller.

If you fall victim to a Google Voice scam, you should reclaim your number.

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is seeing a large rise in the scam. Of the 1,824 victim cases the ITRC received in August, 49 percent of them were Google voice scams.

How to Recognize Google Voice Verification Code Scam

Sharing your code with someone especially on the call is never safe whether it is about Google verification code, or any other OTP. Here are some instructions that alert you- this is Google voice verification code scams.

If you’re selling online, make sure you do not share your Google verification code, even if the buyer is showing too much interest in your items and ready to pay the amount immediately.

There is no need to share your Google voice verification code to verify your identity; if buyer wants to purchase, they can check your website credibility, feedbacks, reviews about your website on Google and lot others way that tells you’re a genuine seller. Google itself recommends that you should never share your Google verification code with anyone.

A general buyer calls you for product details, and price. If they want to check your identity and credibility, they can check it online. And for genuine buyers that online information will be more valuable compare to what you say about your identity. 

If you don’t have a Google account and the buyer is promising to create your Google account, it's a scam. No genuine buyer will waste their valuable time in creating your account, if you don’t have Google account, they would ask you anything else to check your identity or move ahead without checking.

How to Avoid Google Voice Verification Code Scams 

To avoid Google voice verification code scam, make sure you follow the tips mentioned below.

If you’re selling online, make sure you do not share your Google voice verification code, even if the buyer is showing great interest in your items and ready to pay the amount as early as possible.

When possible, try to a business in person paid in verified funds.

Google itself recommends that you should never share your Google verification code with anyone.

If you’ve give away your code

If you have given away your Google voice verification code to scammers, here are following things you can do.

First of all, you should reclaim your number. To do so, visit voice.google.com and click Settings in the top right corner. 

• Under linked number, click New linked number. Enter the phone number to link and verify the number.  
• If you’re using mobile phone, click send code and Google Voice sends the code to the phone. 
• If you’re landline number, click the Verify by phone link, and then click Call. Google voice calls on the number and gives the code. Enter the code and verify.
• Finally, click Claim, the number is linked with your account again.

If you think you’re a victim of Google scam, contact the ITRC via phone at 888.400.5530 or do a live chat with the company on https://www.idtheftcenter.org./. They may guide you ahead.

Final Touch

Hey guys! This was the guide about “Google voice verification code scam.” Google verification code is very important as it is harmless to share your Google code since it is not associated with any monetary accounts, but it’s not the case.  Whether it is about anything, make sure a genuine person or service agent, buyer or seller, or anyone else will never ask you for your Google verification code on call.  So, make sure you never share your Google code.