by Google Voice Verification Code Scam is one of the trending scam tactics on the internet. Many people have lost all they have worked hard for as a result of this scam. Did you come across any message requesting for your verification code? If yes, kindly ignore it! It is a huge scam. This review uncovers the fraudulent activities of this scammers and offers tips on how to detect scam texts and avoid them. Read till the end.
Phishing (Email scams) and Smishing (Fraud through Text messages) are on the increase these days. Scammers are now coming up with several ways to defraud people on a daily basis. One of the ways they do this is by sending text messages to people prompting them to release vital information or even gaining access to their information without their knowledge. Receivers of such texts are therefore advised to always carry out due diligence before giving out any information about themselves.
What Is The Google Voice Verification Code All About?
Google provides a feature known as Google Voice which is a free service allows lets you make and receive calls, texts and voicemails online using your computer, smartphone or tablet. You are also permitted to link your Google Voice number to your existing phone number, so you can use both numbers interchangeably.
However, you ill need to undergo a verification process to use this service. Unfortunately, Scammers are now taking advantage of Google voice Verification code process which requires you to give them the code that is sent to your phone number. They use this to gain access to their victim’s personal information so as to defraud them.
How Does Google Voice Verification Code Scam Work?
Cyber criminals behind the Google Voice Verification Code Scam employ the following strategies: They target people selling products online in platforms like Facebook marketplace, job seekers and others. These scammer contacts you through text, email, or phone and pretends to be an interested buyer of your product, employer, lover or and so on. They may use a fake name, photo, or profile to deceive their victim.
Secondly, the scammer asks you to send them a code that they make you believe is from Google, Craigslist, Facebook, or any other platform. They claim that it is either for security, verification, or confirmation purposes. Once this is done, the scammer will now start up a Google Voice setup process using your phone number. They then request a verification code from Google, which will be sent to your phone number through text or call.
After that, you will be told to forward the code to these fraudsters, or tell them the code over the phone. If you comply, they’ll enter it and complete the Google Voice setup. This gives them access to your Google Voice account and number, and they can use it to make calls, send or read texts and receive voicemails online.
The sad thing about this is that financial institutions often send similar codes to verify transactions, so the scammer can approve transactions out of your account since they are now in control of your Google Voice account. They can also gain access to your personal information, such as your contacts, messages and voicemails, that are linked to your Google Voice account and even scam other people by pretending to be you.
What Are The Effects Of Phishing Scams On The Receivers?
The negative effects that Google Voice Verification Code Scam has had on people who fell victim of their tricks unknowingly is really shocking. Some online sellers lost their life time savings thinking they are dealing with genuine buyers. Others even ran into huge debt because their account was used to scam people and they were held responsible to pay for what they do not know about
These and many more experiences, prompted us to start educating the public about this fast rising phishing vacation scam known as Google Voice Verification Code Scam as well as other methods used by scammers these days.
How To Detect The Google Voice Verification Code Scam.
Below are some of the ways you can identify the Google Voice Verification Code Scam trick.
- They make the text or call sound real. This is to make the receiver do what they said.
- They disguise to be a reputable agency, steal the agency’s official logo and address just to convince people.
- They send malicious codes to get your personal information and steal from you.
- There are usually errors in their email address or the content of the mail or text.
- Majority of them only make use of text messages and chats.
- They may ask for extra fees.
6 Ways To Avoid Being Scammed By These Fraudsters.
In order not to be a victim of the Google Voice Verification Code Scam or any other similar scam tricks, follow these instructions:
- Carry out your investigation: Before giving out your phone number to a someone you are not familiar with in an online platform, do a research to know if they are actually genuine. Find out more about them by using search engines, social media, or reverse phone lookup tools. Also you can ask them for references, reviews, or testimonials from previous customers or partners. This will save you a lot.
- Never disclose your your verification code to anyone: No genuine individual or organization will request for your verification code either as a proof of identity or a confirmation of anything. Any message or call from someone demanding for your code, it is a scam. your verification code is meant to be kept private.
- Follow your instinct: Whenever you come across a suspicious message requesting for your code, it is always safe to pay attention to the details in the message rather than being carried away by their fake claims.
- Change your Google account password and enable two-factor authentication on a separate device. This help to make sure that the scammers do not gain access your Google account and any other services that are linked to it, such as Gmail, YouTube, or Google Photos. Also check your account activity and review your security settings regularly to detect any suspicious or unauthorized actions or devices.
- Report suspicious email or text messages: As soon as you discover a fraudulent text or email, report to your local enforcement agency so that they will take actions to stop further scam activities. If you have already shared your personal or financial information with these scammers, all you just have to do is to shut down your cards, then report the incident.
- Tell others about the Google Voice Verification Code Scam: Enlighten your friends and family member about the ongoing scam so that they will be aware and not fall victim.
Conclusion
People should be cautious of the information they give out about themselves. There are many scammers out there targeting unsuspecting social media users. Sadly, Google Voice Verification Code Scam is one of the viral scams over the internet recently just like Etsy Verification Scam. To stay safe from these fraudsters, you have to adhere to the instructions given above. Click Here to see a list of phishing scams to avoid. Other online scams we have reviewed are Bora Bora Travel Scam and Thesalt WhatsApp Scam
