Google Voice Verification Code Scam UK: Don't Share That Code
A buyer or match asks you to read back a Google verification code — never do it. Here's the Google Voice scam explained.
What is the Google Voice verification code scam?
In this scam, someone you've met online — often a 'buyer' replying to a marketplace listing, or a new match on a dating app — asks to verify that you're 'a real person and not a bot'. They say they'll send a verification code to your phone and ask you to read it back. In reality they are trying to register a Google Voice phone number using YOUR mobile number as the verification, or to take over an account tied to your number.
The six-digit code Google texts you is the key to that — so by reading it out, you hand them the ability to set up a Google Voice number in your name, which they then use to scam other people while hiding their own identity. The whole 'are you real?' framing exists only to get the code out of you.
How the scam works, step by step
- A stranger contacts you — a too-keen buyer for your marketplace item, or a fast-moving dating-app match.
- They claim they've been scammed before and want to 'verify' you, or check you're 'not a bot'.
- They say they're sending a Google (or other) verification code to your number and ask you to share or read it back.
- A six-digit code arrives by text — it's actually Google verifying a Google Voice sign-up that uses your number.
- If you read the code back, they complete the sign-up and now control a Google Voice number linked to you.
- They use that number to defraud others; if your number was tied to your own accounts, they may also try to break into those.
Where it happens and who's targeted
It thrives anywhere strangers message each other: Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, eBay and Vinted listings; dating apps; and even replies to rental or job ads. Sellers are a favourite target because a 'verify you're real' request can sound like a cautious, sensible buyer. The same trick is used with other services' one-time codes too — the principle is identical: a code that arrives on your phone is meant for you alone, and anyone steering you to read it out is trying to take something over in your name.
Warning signs
- A stranger asks you to share, read back, or type in a verification code they've 'sent' you.
- The reason given is to 'prove you're real', 'check you're not a bot', or 'verify' you before buying or chatting.
- A code arrives by text that you didn't request for any login of your own.
- The contact is unusually keen, moves fast, or pushes the 'verification' before any normal buyer/seller or dating conversation.
- Any pressure or urgency around the code.
What to do if you shared the code
- Don't panic, but act. If you gave away a Google verification code, go to voice.google.com, sign in, and reclaim or remove any Google Voice number linked to your number (Google has a dedicated process for this).
- Change your Google account password and turn on two-step verification.
- Review your other accounts that use your phone number for security, and update any passwords you're unsure about.
- Watch for unusual texts or calls suggesting your number is being used to contact others.
- Stop contact with the scammer and report them on the platform you met them.
How to report it in the UK
Report the account to the platform where it happened (the marketplace or dating app) so they can ban it. Report the fraud to Action Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 (in Scotland, contact Police Scotland on 101). You can reclaim a Google Voice number taken out in your name at voice.google.com, and report abuse to Google. Forward scam text messages free to 7726. The simplest protection going forward: never share a verification or one-time code with anyone — no genuine person or company needs you to read one back.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Google Voice verification code scam?
It's a trick where a stranger online asks you to read back a verification code 'to prove you're real'. The code is actually Google verifying a Google Voice number being set up using your mobile number. If you share it, the scammer registers that number in your name and uses it to defraud others while hiding their identity. The 'are you a real person?' line is just bait for the code.
Why do they want my verification code?
Because a code sent to your phone authorises something tied to your number — most often creating a Google Voice number, but the same trick works against other accounts' one-time codes. With your code, the scammer completes a sign-up or login as if they were you. That's why no genuine buyer, match, or company ever needs you to read a code back — the code is for you alone.
I shared the code — what do I do?
Go to voice.google.com, sign in, and reclaim or remove any Google Voice number linked to your number using Google's process. Change your Google password and enable two-step verification, and review other accounts that rely on your phone number. Stop contact with the scammer, report them on the platform you met them, and report the fraud to Action Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040.
How do I report the Google Voice scam in the UK?
Report the account to the marketplace or dating app it came from, and report the fraud to Action Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 (Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland). Reclaim any Google Voice number set up in your name at voice.google.com and report abuse to Google. Forward scam texts to 7726. Going forward, never share a one-time or verification code with anyone.