How it works
A verification code is a short secret a service sends to confirm an action, such as logging in or linking a phone number. A scammer starts that action, then invents a different story for why you should tell them the digits. In a marketplace, they may say the code proves that you are a real seller; the actual message may say it is for Google Voice.
Why the message matters
The service's own text often names the action. If you did not initiate it, do not give the code to anyone and do not paste it into a page reached from the stranger. A legitimate buyer can inspect an item or communicate through the marketplace without receiving your account code. If repeated unexpected codes arrive, review the relevant account's sign-in activity.
If a code was disclosed
Identify the issuing service first, then use its official recovery flow. For a Google Voice linked-number claim, Google documents how to
reclaim a number. The FTC's
marketplace example explains the pretext. Reclaiming a number does not undo impersonation that already happened.
