Scams
Hey there, watch out for these sneaky scams that can target your phone number!
21 Oct 2024
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5 min. read
Hey folks, in today’s digital world, technology has revolutionized how we communicate. One popular service that has taken advantage of this connectivity is Google Voice.
But, as with anything popular, there are risks involved. Scammers have been using Google Voice to trick users into giving them access to their accounts, leading to potential fraud. In fact, Google Voice scams made up a whopping 60 percent of reported scams to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) last year. Let’s dive into how to protect yourself.
How do Google Voice scams operate?
Google Voice is a free VoIP service that lets you set up a virtual phone number linked to your Google account. It’s a great tool for calls, texts, and more, all for free. Scammers, however, see it as an opportunity to commit fraud.
Curious to learn more? Check out these related reads:
Unveiling the mystery behind phone number scams
How scammers get hold of your contact details
Scammers follow a simple pattern:
- Creating a Google Voice account: The fraudster sets up a Google Voice account like any regular user.
- Pretending to be genuine: They pose as buyers or sellers online to target victims. They might express interest in an item you’re selling or claim to need your number for verification.
- Requesting a verification code: The scammer will ask you to forward a ‘verification code’ sent by Google to your device. This code is crucial for linking Google Voice to your number, which they can exploit for fraudulent activities.
- Using your number for malicious purposes: Once they have access, scammers can sell your account, make vishing calls, or engage in phishing scams.
Protect yourself from Google Voice scams
The best defense is to stop communicating with anyone who asks for your Google authentication code right away. Legitimate texts and calls from Google or banks are meant only for you and should never be shared.
If you’re transacting online and someone insists on validating your identity, explore other verification methods. If they suggest moving the conversation to another platform like WhatsApp, be cautious.
What to do if you fall victim
If you realize you’ve been scammed, you can reclaim your Google Voice number within 45 days by following Google’s guidelines. Additionally, report the incident to the FTC and consider reaching out to local law enforcement or IdentityTheft.gov if your personal information has been compromised.
Online fraud can create a vicious cycle. By staying informed and cautious, you can help break this cycle and protect yourself and others from falling victim to scams.
