Connect with us

Technology

How scammers use Google Voice verification codes to steal your identity, money

Published

on

How scammers use Google Voice verification codes to steal your identity, money

Have you ever received a text message or a phone call from someone asking you to verify your identity by sending them a code? 

If you have, you may have been targeted by the Google Voice verification code scam. 

This is a sneaky and dangerous scam that allows fraudsters to hijack your phone number and use it to scam other people.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER 

Woman taking a photo to sell items (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Advertisement

What is Google Voice?

Google Voice is a free service that lets you make and receive calls, texts and voicemails online. You can use it on your computer, smartphone or tablet. You can also link your Google Voice number to your existing phone number, so you can use both numbers interchangeably. 

Google Voice has many features that make it convenient and useful, such as, voicemail transcription, call forwarding, spam filtering, custom greetings, International calling and Google Assistant integration. However, Google Voice also has a verification process that requires you to enter a code that is sent to your phone number. This is where the scammers come in.

BEWARE OF THIS SNEAKY GOOGLE ATTACK THAT STEALS YOUR EXPIRED COOKIES

Google Voice Verification code (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: TV HOST ANDY COHEN SWINDLED IN COSTLY BANK SCAM: HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM YOURSELF

Advertisement

What is the Google Voice verification scam?

The Google Voice Verification Scam is a known scam, according to the FTC, but it’s not as widely known by the general public. Here’s how it works.

First, the scammer contacts you via text, email, or phone, pretending to be interested in buying something from you, hiring you, dating you, or any other plausible reason. They may use a fake name, photo, or profile to lure you in.

Second, the scammer asks you to verify your identity by sending them a code that they claim is from Google, Craigslist, Facebook, or any other platform. They may say that this is for security, verification, or confirmation purposes.

Next, the scammer actually initiates a Google Voice setup process using your phone number. They request a verification code from Google, which is then sent to your phone number via text or call.

Advertisement

Then, the scammer asks you to forward the code to them, or tell them the code over the phone. In this case, if you forward or tell them the code, they’ll enter it and complete the Google Voice setup. This means that they now have access to your Google Voice account and number, and they can use it to make calls, send or read texts and receive voicemails online. Where this gets tricky is financial institutions often send similar codes to verify transactions, so if the scammer has possession of your Google Voice account, they can potentially approve transactions out of your account. 

Lastly, the scammer can also use your Google Voice number to scam other people, by pretending to be you or someone else. They can also access your personal information, such as your contacts, messages and voicemails, that are linked to your Google Voice account.

Example of Google Voice Verification code text (FTC)

MORE: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE VENMO, ZELLE AND CASH APP SCAM THAT CAN WIPE OUT YOUR SAVINGS IN SECONDS

Isn’t this scam obvious?

You would think, right? But, even the most experienced sellers who have dealt with their fair share of complex scams are all new to those on Facebook Marketplace. The reason the Google Voice verification scam has been so effective is because these scammers use manipulation to accomplish their scam.

Advertisement

By telling you that they need to check whether or not you are trustworthy, it triggers Facebook Marketplace sellers to demonstrate, “Of course I’m trustworthy, and I’m willing to do whatever I can to prove it, especially if this person is interested in buying from me.”

After all, the concept of an online buyer wanting to confirm the sellers — and the products they are buying are legitimate is common practice. But, in Facebook Marketplace, the lack of regulations makes it easy for both sellers and buyers to become victims of scams. Unfortunately, sellers tend not even to give this scam a second thought, until it’s too late.

What to do if you are a victim of the Google Voice scam

If you have fallen victim to the Google Voice verification code scam, don’t panic. There are some steps you can take to reclaim your number and protect your identity. Here is what you should do:

Change your Google account password and enable two-factor authentication on a separate device. It ensures that the scammer, who might have compromised your primary device, cannot interfere with these security measures.This will prevent the scammer from accessing your Google account and any other services that are linked to it, such as Gmail, YouTube, or Google Photos. You should also regularly check your account activity and review your security settings to see if there are any suspicious or unauthorized actions or devices.

Report the scam to the FTC and your local authorities. You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also contact your local police department and file a report. Provide as much information as you can about the scam and the scammer, and keep a copy of the report for your records.

Advertisement

Monitor your credit reports and bank statements. The scammer may have obtained your personal or financial information from your Google Voice account or other sources and may try to use it for identity theft or fraud. You should check your credit reports regularly and look for any errors or suspicious activities. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com. You should also review your bank statements and alert your bank if you notice any unauthorized transactions or charges.

Use identity theft protection: Identity Theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your Home title, Social Security Number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

If you want a service that will walk you through every step of the reporting and recovery process, one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from this type of fraud is to subscribe to an identity theft service. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

MORE: STOP THESE V-DAY SCAMS BEFORE THEY BREAK YOUR HEART AND YOUR BANK ACCOUNT

How to reclaim your Google Voice number if someone has stolen it

Google Voice works by linking to your actual phone number (though some people opt for a new number altogether). If you go to link your phone number and you see that it’s been claimed (and you have no recollection of ever linking it yourself), that means that someone has your number.

Advertisement

Whether or not they got it because you were a victim of this Google Voice verification scam or maybe another way, they’ve now gotten your Google Voice number. Follow the steps from Google Help to reclaim your number and prevent these hackers from doing more harm.

3 ways to avoid the Google Voice verification code scam

The best way to avoid the Google Voice verification code scam is to be vigilant and cautious online. Here are some tips to help you spot and prevent the scam.

1. Never share your verification code with anyone. The verification code is meant for your eyes only. It is not a proof of identity, nor a confirmation of anything. If someone asks you to send them a code, or tell them a code over the phone, it is a red flag that they are trying to scam you. Google, Craigslist, Facebook or any other legitimate platform will never ask you for your verification code.

2. Do your research and trust your instincts. Before you engage with someone online, do some background checks and verify their identity and credibility. You can use search engines, social media, or reverse phone lookup tools to find out more about them. You can also ask them for references, reviews, or testimonials from previous customers or partners.

3. If something seems too good to be true, or too fishy to be real, it probably is. Trust your gut and walk away from any deal or offer that makes you feel uncomfortable or suspicious.

Advertisement

MORE: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMMERS

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Google Voice verification code scam is a clever and dangerous scam that can cost you your phone number, your Google account and your identity. By being aware of how the scam works, and following the tips above, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling prey to this scam.

Have you ever been asked to provide a verification code when selling online? What happened? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Advertisement

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Technology

Soundcore new Space 2 promise improved ANC and sound

Published

on

Soundcore new Space 2 promise improved ANC and sound

We finally have an update to the Soundcore Space One that launched two and a half years ago. At MWC 2026, Soundcore has announced the Space 2, which will be available in the US on April 21st in three colors — linen white, jet black, and seafoam green — for $129.99. That’s $30 more than the Space One’s original price.

According to Soundcore, the Space 2 have had a full-band noise cancellation upgrade with the focus of those improvements on the low-frequency sounds we all generally use ANC headphones to block — things like airplane, train, and bus engine sounds while traveling. The Space 2 use the same number of microphones as the Space One for noise canceling, instead relying on optimized mic placement and structure and materials improvements for the boost in performance.

Redesigned 40mm drivers incorporate dual layers in their design. There’s a silk diaphragm with metal ceramic that supposedly results in faster transient response — the driver’s ability to respond to sudden sound quickly and accurately — with better balanced sound reproduction. The Space One had great sound performance for the price, but I’m all for any improvement to sound performance accuracy. Like the Space One, the Space 2 will support LDAC high-res audio.

The headphones connect wirelessly over Bluetooth 6.1, although they do not support Auracast transmissions — an unfortunate exclusion. There’s also a 3.5mm jack for a wired connection.

Battery life has been increased to up to 50 hours with ANC and 70 hours with ANC off. This is up from 40 hours with ANC and 55 hours without ANC with the Space One headphones. With a five-minute charge the Space 2 get an additional four hours of listening.

Advertisement

The Space 2 will include many of the features found on the Space One. You can use HearID 3.0 to go through a series of sound samples to tune the headphones’ sound to your preferences. It worked well for me on the Space One to get them closer to a sound I liked, with a bit of the edge taken off the higher frequencies. There’s also a sensor that detects when you remove the headphones and stops playback so you don’t miss any of your music or podcast. They once again come with a cloth bag that matches the color of the headphones instead of a case, which is one change I wish Soundcore had made, as the cloth bag doesn’t offer as much protection if you tend to throw your headphones into your backpack or bag.

The Soundcore Space One were among the best budget ANC headphones when they came out, and still hold up to more recent releases. But with the bump in price to over $100 for the Space 2, there’s a bit more expectation on them. ANC performance continues to improve — and products get cheaper — across manufacturers, so the Soundcore Space 2 has some competition from companies like Sony, EarFun, and JLab. If the ANC on the Space 2 stands up to current budget headphones and they still sound as good and are as comfortable as the Space One, you can expect to see the new Soundcore Space 2 on many recommendation lists.

Continue Reading

Technology

Tired of websites blocking your VPN? A dedicated IP fixes that

Published

on

Tired of websites blocking your VPN? A dedicated IP fixes that

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

If you have ever turned on your VPN and suddenly could not log in to your bank, email, streaming service or work portal, you are not imagining things. In fact, this is one of the most common frustrations VPN users face today.

However, the issue is not that VPNs stopped working. Instead, websites have become far more aggressive about blocking traffic that looks suspicious.

As a result, the way your VPN is built now matters just as much as whether you use one at all.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter    

Advertisement

Shared VPN IPs often trigger red flags, which is why banks, email providers and streaming sites sometimes block access. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why websites block many VPN connections

Most VPNs give you a shared IP address. As a result, hundreds or even thousands of people can appear online from the same address at the same time. From a website’s perspective, that traffic pattern raises red flags. When platforms detect too many logins, rapid location changes or unusual activity tied to one IP, they step in quickly. In many cases, they respond by:

  • Blocking access
  • Triggering captchas
  • Requiring extra verification codes
  • Temporarily locking accounts

Meanwhile, you did nothing wrong. Instead, you end up dealing with restrictions caused by other users sharing that same IP address.

What a dedicated IP does differently

With a dedicated IP, you get an address that belongs only to you. Unlike shared VPN connections, no one else uses it.

Each time you connect, you use the same IP address. As a result, you avoid sharing traffic, rotating locations or competing with random users whose activity could trigger blocks.

Because of that consistency, your connection looks much more like a typical home or office internet setup. And that simple difference can dramatically reduce website suspicion and login headaches.

Advertisement

NEW YORK HALTS ROBOTAXI EXPANSION PLAN

A dedicated IP gives you a consistent address that looks more like a normal home connection, reducing captchas and login alerts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What a dedicated IP can do that shared VPN IPs usually can’t

That consistency does more than reduce suspicion; it improves how smoothly you access the sites and services you use every day.

Access more websites without blocks

Banks, government portals, healthcare sites, and streaming services are far less likely to block a dedicated IP because it does not show heavy or erratic traffic patterns.

Reduce captchas and security challenges

Those endless “prove you’re human” messages are usually triggered by shared IP abuse. A dedicated IP dramatically reduces them.

Advertisement

Make banking and email logins smoother

Financial institutions and email providers often flag constantly changing IP addresses as suspicious. A dedicated IP stays consistent, so login alerts and lockouts happen far less often.

Support remote work and secure systems

Some employers only allow access from approved IP addresses. Shared VPN IPs cannot be approved. Dedicated IPs can.

Improve streaming reliability

Shared VPN IPs are often the first to get blocked when streaming services crack down. Dedicated IPs are less likely to be flagged because traffic looks normal and predictable.

What a dedicated IP does not do

A dedicated IP:

  • Does not remove encryption
  • Does not expose your identity
  • Does not weaken your privacy

Your traffic remains encrypted, and your real location stays hidden. You simply get a connection that websites trust more.

Who benefits most from a dedicated IP

A dedicated IP is especially helpful if you:

Advertisement
  • Use online banking regularly
  • Travel and access sites from different locations
  • Work remotely
  • Stream often
  • Get tired of captchas and blocked pages
  • Want a VPN that feels normal to use

GOOGLE DISMANTLES 9M-DEVICE ANDROID HIJACK NETWORK

With fewer blocks and smoother logins, a dedicated IP helps your VPN work quietly in the background instead of getting in your way. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to choose a VPN that offers a dedicated IP

If you want these benefits, look for a VPN provider that offers a dedicated IP option built directly into its service. Some providers include it in premium plans, while others offer it as an add-on. Either way, the process should be simple. You should be able to select your dedicated IP inside the app without advanced setup or manual configuration. Before signing up, check that the provider also offers strong speeds, reliable uptime and clear privacy policies. A dedicated IP improves access, but overall performance still matters.

 What to look for beyond a dedicated IP

A dedicated IP reduces blocks. However, a quality VPN should also deliver strong security and smooth performance.

Fast, stable connections: Speed matters for streaming, video calls and everyday browsing. Look for providers known for consistent performance.

Wide server coverage: More server locations give you flexibility when traveling and help reduce location errors.

Advertisement

Clear privacy practices: Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and independent audits when possible.

Secure server technology: Modern VPNs often use RAM-based servers that automatically wipe data on reboot.

Easy-to-use apps: Protection should feel simple, not technical. Clean apps across major devices make daily use effortless.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

Kurt’s key takeaway

If your VPN keeps getting blocked, the problem may not be the VPN itself. It may be the shared IP address behind it. Websites are increasingly aggressive about suspicious traffic. When hundreds of users share the same IP, banks, email providers and streaming platforms take notice. That is when the captchas, verification codes and account lockouts start. A dedicated IP changes that experience. You still get encryption. You still protect your real location. But your connection looks stable and predictable, which helps you avoid constant interruptions.

Advertisement

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Should protecting your privacy really mean fighting with your bank, email, and streaming apps? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter  

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

Advertisement

Related Article

What Trump's 'ratepayer protection pledge' means for you
Continue Reading

Technology

Polymarket defends its decision to allow betting on war as ‘invaluable’

Published

on

Polymarket defends its decision to allow betting on war as ‘invaluable’
It might be World War III, but at least I won $20. | Image: Polymarket / The Verge

Polymarket has been allowing people to bet on when the US would strike Iran next. Obviously, now that it’s actually happened and people have died, the prediction betting market is feeling some pressure. The site has been at the center of controversy before, including suspicions of insider trading on the Super Bowl halftime show and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

In a statement posted on its site, Polymarket defended its decision to allow betting on the potential start of a war, saying that it was an “invaluable” source of news and answers, before taking shots at traditional media and Elon Musk’s X. The statement reads:

Read the full story at The Verge.

Continue Reading

Trending