Alert: Google Voice Verification Scam Hijacks Phone Numbers
Written by: Stelian
Published on:
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.
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.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
About Stelian
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
