

If you gave someone a Google Voice verification code follow these steps from Google to reclaim your number. If they get enough of your information, they could pretend to be you to access your accounts or open new accounts in your name. Sometimes these scammers are after a Google Voice verification code and other information about you. So, what’s the harm? The scammer might use that number to rip off other people and conceal their identity. (Google Voice gives you a phone number that you can use to make calls or send text messages from a web browser or a mobile device.) If you give them the verification code, they’ll try to use it to create a Google Voice number linked to your phone number. They send you a text message with a Google Voice verification code and ask you for that code. Or they might say they want to verify that you’re the pet’s true owner. They might say they’ve heard about fake online listings and want to verify that you’re a real person. But before they commit to buying your item, or returning your pet, they feign hesitation. The scammers contact you and say they want to buy the item you’re selling - or that they found your pet. They also prey on people who post looking for help finding their lost pet. Scammers target people who post things for sale on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Have you heard about it? Here’s how it works. If there’s one constant among scammers, it’s that they’re always coming up with new schemes, like the Google Voice verification scam. It’s Cyber Security Awareness month, so the tricks scammers use to steal our personal information are on our minds. Identity Theft and Online Security Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu items.Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts Show/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items.Money-Making Opportunities and Investments.Jobs and Making Money Show/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items.Credit, Loans, and Debt Show/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items.

Shopping and Donating Show/hide Shopping and Donating menu items.
