Alert: Google Voice Verification Scam Hijacks Phone Numbers

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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The Google Voice verification scam is a troubling fraud that allows hackers to hijack your phone number and potentially steal your identity. This scam has victimized many people who posted their phone numbers online. Here’s how it works and how to avoid it.

Scams

How the Google Voice Verification Scam Operates

This scam typically begins when you post an advertisement online that includes your phone number, such as on Craigslist. Out of the blue, you’ll receive a text or call appearing to be a person inquiring about the ad.

However, the scammer is then going to ask you to “verify” your number by reading back a code texted to you. Unfortunately, you are really giving the hacker a Google Voice verification code they requested when setting up a Google Voice account in your name.

Once the scammer receives this code from you, they can finalize creating the account and essentially hijack control of your number. They do this by porting your number over to their Google Voice account.

From here, the hacker has free reign to use your number to carry out further scams, while the activity appears tied to you. They can intercept your calls and texts without your knowledge using the Google Voice portal.

How to Spot This Scam

Here are some warning signs that the “inquiry” about your online ad is really the Google Voice scam:

  • They ask you to confirm your number or identity in some way.
  • They specifically request you read back a code texted to you.
  • The code is a six digit numerical code from Google.
  • You never requested any code from Google or signed up for Google Voice beforehand.

Any callers or texters making odd requests about verifying your number through codes should raise red flags. Legitimate contacts will never do this out of the blue.

Protecting Yourself from This Scam

Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim:

  • Never publicly post your full phone number in online advertisements or social media profiles. Omit the last four digits if including it.
  • Be wary of any calls/texts from numbers you don’t know asking about ads or posts with your number.
  • Never share over the phone or text codes sent to you without consenting to receive them first.
  • Monitor your phone account for any unauthorized changes, like different forwarding numbers.
  • Regularly change online account passwords associated with the phone number being targeted.
  • Use Google’s account recovery steps if you suspect your number was hijacked.
  • Report the scam to the FTC and File complaints with the FCC and your local authorities.

What To Do if You’re a Victim

If you already shared your Google verification code and believe your number has been hijacked, take these steps:

  • Call your phone carrier immediately to report the situation and prevent further damages. They may be able to block changes or revert compromises.
  • Go through Google’s account recovery process to regain control. Submitting identification and successively generated verification codes can override the hacker.
  • Contact banks/credit cards with the compromised number to protect those accounts as well. Sign up for credit monitoring to be safe.
  • Change the number online for any accounts tied to the hijacked number when you regain control.
  • Be vigilant about possible identity theft since phone numbers and names are now linked to the scammer’s Google Voice account. Monitor your credit regularly.

The Google Voice verification scam can have real impacts on victims beyond just phone hijacking. Stay alert when posting numbers publicly and never blindly share codes with suspicious callers. With caution, this scam can be avoided.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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