Buying and selling
Asked to read back a one-time code (Google Voice trick)
A buyer or seller says they need to make sure you're real: 'I'm sending you a code, just text it back to me.' The code is Google setting up a Voice number tied to your phone, or a login code for one of your accounts. Once they have it, they have the number or the account. Meta and Venmo both warn about it by name.
What it looks like
- 'There are so many scammers on here, can I verify you? I'll send a 6-digit code.'
- A text from Google, your bank, or an app arriving right after they ask.
- Requests for the code by text, or by reading it out over the phone.
- The 'buyer' loses interest as soon as they have it.
What is the Google Voice verification code scam?
The request borrows the language of caution, so it feels like the careful thing to do. Codes are meaningless to most people, so handing one over feels harmless. A Google Voice number linked to your phone lets someone run scams that trace back to you, and a login code hands over whatever account it protects. It's fast, low-effort, and works on almost any marketplace.
What to do
- Never share a verification code with anyone, for any reason. Nobody needs it to 'verify' you.
- If you already did, reclaim the number: Google has a help page on reclaiming a Voice number. Change any password linked to that code.
- Turn on two-step verification with an authenticator app where you can.
- Report the profile and add the number here so the next seller sees it.
More in the tips: Buying, selling, and payment apps.
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