Be Alert! Google Voice Verification Scam Targets Online Sellers and Pet Owners

Be Alert! Google Voice Verification Scam Targets Online Sellers and Pet Owners

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a great time to remind you to stay vigilant against online scams. Scammers constantly devise new schemes, and the new Google Voice verification scam is an example. Here’s how it works:

Who do they target?

People selling items on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.
People looking for lost pets online.

The Bait:

The scammer contacts you, pretending to be interested in buying your item or claiming to have found your lost pet. However, they create a sense of hesitation before committing.

The Fake Verification:

They might claim concern about fake online listings or verifying you’re the real pet owner. They’ll then send a text with a Google Voice verification code, requesting you share it.

What’s the Catch?

Google Voice gives you a second phone number allowing you to make calls or send texts from a separate number. If you share the code, the scammer uses it to create a Google Voice number linked to your phone number.

Image courtesy of FTC.gov

The Danger:

The scammer can then use this number to:

Defraud others: They can impersonate you and potentially steal from others while hiding their true identity.

Gather more information: Sometimes, the code is just the first step. They may try to collect additional personal details to commit identity theft and open accounts in your name.

What to Do:

Never share verification codes: This applies to all codes, not just Google Voice. If someone else initiated contact, it’s a scam.

Recovering your number: If you accidentally shared the code, follow Google’s instructions to reclaim your number.

Report the scam: Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Remember: By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from this and other online scams. Never share verification codes!

We want you to be aware so you’ll be safe!