How Avoid Google Voice verification code Scam On Facebook Marketplace
Identity Theft Resource Centre (ITRC) highlights a concern over rising cases of Google Voice Scam On Facebook Marketplace. The scamming cases rise between August and November 2021. They reported the percentage of total victim cases rising from 49% to a staggering 70% in just a couple of months.
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Rising fraudulent activities on faceboook marketplace captured the attention of law agencies like FBI, they issue red alert warning earlier this year.
How serious the issue is and i am reminding everyone to remain careful, when using the internet.
These scams are more common now a days, so it’s really important for all of us to know about the possible dangers.
we need to follow safety tips to keep ourselves safe from these online scams.
What people say about scam?
In Sara told me the situation she face, a stranger asked for a 6 digit code she received after posting a mirror for sale on a facebook marketplace. She shared this code with him but later realized it was an attempt to exploit her information.
Unfortunately, she initially shared the code, not realizing it was a scam. When they claimed it didn’t work and asked for another code, you became aware of the scam and report to facebook .
Scammer may have tried to set up a Google Voice account using your phone number as the forwarding number, but if you aren’t logged in, this is unlikely to work.
While Google’s weekend customer service may be unavailable, it’s a good practice to stay cautious and safeguard your personal information.
How Google Voice Scam works?
As we discuss above, if you’ve publicly shared your personal mobile number, email address on Facebook marketplace unknowingly, scammers can exploit it.
in the case of Google Voice Scam On Facebook Marketplace scammers might contact you, claiming they need a six-digit verification code to prove your authenticity and legitimacy.
They use a specialized phone service that relies on this code, which you’ll receive from Google via an automated call or text message.
Scammers use special call service to send you google automated call or text messages to send this kind of codes this indicate that scammers are use advance technology to do the fraud.
They instruct google voice to call your personal number, and when you answer that automated call, call speaks the code to you.
do not share code with anyone. If you mistakenly ignore this warning and give the code to the scammers, they gain control of a google voice number as the forwarding number for their account.
As buyer and seller you must follow standard rule of online selling and buying is that never share your Phone number , email address or OTP online at any cost of sake of few bucks of profit.
Scamster’s objective is to collect as many Google voice phone numbers as possible, Once they got these mobile numbers, they may reuse for a variety of unethical objectives, such as romance fraud, rental fraud, or even financial schemes.
scammers never receive forwarded calls to your phone number because they do not want to be traceable. Once they’ve accomplished their objective, they normally delete your phone number from their account.
So, be careful while talking with strangers on internet, at any situation please do not share your 6 digital or any other verification code with anybody.
Legitimate businesses will never ask you for this information. This is an important reminder to keep your verification code secure.
Remember When you signing up for Google Voice or adding a phone number to your account, Google will send you a text message containing a verification code.
You’ll can use this code to activate Google Voice services on your phone. Always keep this code to yourself to protect your online security.
How to Prevent Google Voice Scam On Facebook Marketplace
To protect yourself from Google Voice code scammers and ensure your online security, follow these important steps:
do you want to protect yourself from online google verification code scam , follow these important steps:
Never share google voice codes: keep your google verification code confidential. There is no legitimate reason to share it with anyone. you can contact google voice community for help.
Protect Your Phone Number: avoid posting your phone number online or in public places whenever possible. Hackers can use your phone number as a starting point for significant damage.
Exercise Caution When Selling Online: be extra cautious when selling items online. If any interaction appears suspicious, trust your instincts and don’t rush into the sale. Your security is more important than the transaction.
Verify Buyers on online marketplaces: choose online platforms that allow you to verify the credibility of buyers, you can see hidden information of listing stick to dealing with verified and trustworthy individuals.
Limit Personal Information: Refuse to provide additional personal information to prospective buyers, especially if it’s to prove you’re not a “bot” or a “scammer.” These requests often signal a scam.
Stay on the facebook markeplace complete your transactions within the fb ecosystem for your safety. Avoid moving off the platform, leaving marketplace for transaction could lead financial losses.
Beware of Unusual Payment Methods scammers often use non traditional payment methods like gift cards, crypto currency, or postal money orders. stick to secure payment options. Only use Cash payment App, Zelle, or Venmo if you personally know the recipient or have met them offline.
Prefer In Person Meetings: When meeting buyers, opt for in-person meetings in safe and comfortable locations.
Monitor Your account: Everyone one should online their accounts regularly to identify any suspicious activities. you can prefer credit monitoring services to get alert about unauthorized transactions or new accounts opened on your name.
Enhance Online Account Security: try to Strengthen your online account security by improving your passwords, setting tighter security preferences, enabling two factor authentication (2FA), and try to use a password manager to safeguard all your accounts.
Consider Identity Theft Protection: an all in one identity theft protection service like Aura can provide an extra layer of security. It combines identity theft protection, credit monitoring, antivirus software, and a military grade virtual private network (VPN) to defend against scammers and hackers.
My final words
your cyber security at risk you can lose your identity and finances are at risk, when someone else gains access to your personal information and phone number.
Never share 2FA codes and keep your personal information as private as possible online. Consider additional security measures like identity theft protection services to avoid Google Voice Scam On Facebook Marketplace. Your online safety is paramount.”