According to the FBI, Americans sharing their contact numbers online are attacked by Google Voice authentication scams. FBI explains that scammers are targeting users who have posted their phone numbers as a form of contact while trying to sell their products or services on online market platforms and social media.
"Recently, we have also been getting reports of people who are getting targeted in other locations, including sites where you post about lost pets," reports FBI.
Once successful, scammers set up a Google voice account in their victims' name or hack the target's Gmail accounts. Scammers use these hijacked emails later for other malicious campaigns or phishing attacks.
The scammers contact their targets using text messages or emails that show their interest in items up for selling, the scammer then asks the seller to verify themselves by providing an authentication code from Google. FBI says "what he is really doing is setting up a Google Voice account in your name using your real phone number as verification."
After the Google Voice account is set up, scammers can easily launch other attacks, these attacks can't be retracted back to their origin. An attacker can also use these codes to penetrate and take control of a victim's Gmail account.
How to protect yourself?
If you have suffered a Google Voice authentication scam, the FBI suggests visiting Google's support website for assistance on how to get back your Google Voice account and retake your Voice number.
- You can also follow these tips suggested by the FBI:
- Never share your Google verification code with anyone.
- Only deal with buyers or customers in person. Use verified payment platforms for money transfer. Avoid sharing your email Ids to buyers/sellers doing business on phone.
- Don't rush yourself into a sale. Your buyer may pressure you to respond, keep patience, don't get manipulated.
If you suspect you have fallen victim to these online scams, you can report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, or call their local FBI office.
"If your linked number gets claimed, that means you or someone else is using that number with another Voice account. If you still own the linked number, you can add it back to the Voice account where you want to use it," says the Google support website.
