The “Google Voice” scam has re-entered headlines, months after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), initially warned the public about the scheme. Consumers purchasing goods or connecting with new friends on the internet may be coerced into using the alternative online phone service, and that is where the fraudulent activity begins.
Google Voice is an online phone service used for making phone calls, texting, and more. In order to sign up for Google Voice, prospective users must provide a verification code sent via text message by Google.
Fraudsters will sign their targets up for Google Voice to access their verification code and hijack the account and personal information. If a scammer gets your Google Voice verification code they can potentially commit other crimes concealing their identity while linked to your personal data.
The information below compiled by the Office of Consumer Affairs, helps you spot a Google Voice scam before it’s too late.
- A perspective buyer interested in your Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist listing contacts you requesting to verify your identity and/or legitimacy through Google Voice. After going through the setup process, the fake buyer asks for your Google verification code.
- A good samaritan reaches out to you stating they’ve found your lost pet, long lost family member, or stolen jewelry. However, the sender wants to make sure they are contacting the correct person and would like to confirm your name and phone number using Google Voice. After falsifying their good intentions, the impostor requests your Google verification code.
- An unsolicited message via email or text message in your inbox demanding a Google Voice verification code received that you did not ask for.
Never provide anyone with your Google Voice verification code. Upon receiving this code, the scammer can use your phone number to create a Google Voice account for themselves linked to your number. If you gave someone your verification code follow thesesteps from Google to reclaim your number.
If you believe you were a victim of a Google Voice scam, please report it to the FTC. For more information on scams and identity theft, visit the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations online resources.
