The Update

How to Protect Yourself from Google Voice Verification Scams

The Google Voice verification scam can result in a lot of inconvenience and possible identity theft. Here’s all you need to know about Google Voice verification scams and how to stay safe.

How Does the Scam Play Out?

It all starts with a scammer contacting a target under the impression of responding to an online ad or inquiry the target has posted. The scammer expresses interest in buying an item the target is selling. To verify the victim’s legitimacy, they’ll claim they need to send a Google Voice verification code. They’ll ask the victim to share this code with them. What they are really doing is using the victim’s code to set up a Google Voice account in the victim’s name. Once they have this account, they’ll use it to carry out additional scams, masking their identity behind this phone number.

Protect Yourself

Follow these tips to protect yourself from falling victim to this scam:

Understand how the scam works

Be aware that no legitimate transaction or interaction requires you to share a verification code sent to your phone by Google. If someone asks for this code, it’s a huge red flag!

Do not share verification codes

Giving verification codes to someone else can grant them access to your personal accounts or allow them to set up new accounts in your name.

Enable two-factor authentication

When possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Google account and other sensitive online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.

Verify identities carefully

When dealing with online transactions or interactions, verify the identity of the person you are dealing with. Use trusted platforms and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Monitor your accounts

Check for unauthorized logins or any other unusual behavior. If you notice anything suspicious, change your passwords and contact the platform’s support team.

If You've Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a Google Voice verification scam, here’s how to mitigate the damage:

• Reclaim your Google Voice number by following Google’s support instructions.
• Report the scam to Google and the platform where the scam originated.
• Change your Google account password and any other passwords that may have been compromised.
• Enable additional security measures, such as security questions or biometric verification, to your Google Voice number account.

Stay safe!

Personal Identity Theft Assistance for RGCU Members

If you - as an RGCU member -  have been scammed, look into your debit and credit benefits. RGCU card holders have personal identity theft assistance. If your identity has been stolen, you could be reimbursed up to $5,000 to help with identity recovery. This is a way that we want to help our members, especially during a confusing and stressful time.