What is the Google Voice Scam & How to Protect Yourself

Michelle Wilson - March 27, 2023

In recent years, scams have become a widespread problem across the internet, with a staggering 4.4 million reported cases of fraud and scams in 2020 alone. One scam that has gained notoriety is the Google Voice Scam.

With a significant increase in cases, knowing how to protect oneself from scams becomes essential, as they can lead to identity theft, financial losses, and other harmful consequences. By educating oneself about the common tactics used by scammers, individuals can stay vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent themselves from falling victim to these scams.

What is Google Voice?

To understand the Google Voice scam, users must first consider what Google Voice is. In a simple explanation, Google Voice is a calling application provided by Google that assigns you a unique phone number linked to your Google account. This number can forward text messages and calls to other designated phone numbers or your Gmail inbox. Other users like Google Voice since it allows them to make and receive calls free of charge.

Unfortunately, scammers are attracted to Google Voice because it gives them a free and nearly untraceable phone number to deceive people.

How do Fraudulent Parties Scam Users with Google Voice?

In a Google Voice Scam, fraudulent parties use different tactics to trick users into giving away sensitive information, including account login credentials, credit card information, or social security numbers. The scam works by spoofing the Google Voice service to make it appear that a call is coming from a legitimate source, such as a bank or government agency.

For perspective, in 2021, the Identity Theft Resource Center (or ITRC for short) received 3,926 inquiries related to the Google Voice scam, accounting for 53 percent of all scams. Furthermore, from January 2022 to August 2022, 55 percent of all scam inquiries made to the ITRC were related to the Google Voice scam.

The Different Tactics of a Google Voice Scammer

The scammers use several tactics to deceive victims, including phishing emails or text messages that appear to be from a trusted source. They often claim that someone else has compromised the victim’s account. The scammers may also use social engineering techniques to trick victims into providing personal information or access to their accounts. Or they may ask victims to provide a code sent to their phone that they can use to access the victim’s account.

The scammers further deceive you by making the process appear legitimate because the code comes from Google. Fraudulent parties can do this because they have registered for Google Voice using your phone number, prompting Google to automatically send a six-digit code to your phone. If you provide the code to the scammers, they can link their fraudulent account to your genuine number, rendering you unreachable.

Other Examples of the Scam in Action

Another example of the Google Voice Scam is when scammers send a text message claiming to be from a bank or financial institution, stating that someone has compromised the victim’s account. The text message will contain a link to a fake website that looks similar to the legitimate site. Once the victim enters their login credentials, the scammers can access their account.

Alternatively, they may pretend to be interested in buying an item listed on online marketplaces such as Craigslist, OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace, renting an apartment, or returning a lost pet. Once they hook the victim, the scammers use the victim’s phone number to sign up for a Google Voice number. They then request the victim to provide a verification code under false pretenses, such as proving their identity, ownership of the item or pet, or confirming they are not a scammer. The scammers use various fake excuses to manipulate the victim into giving them the verification code.

How Fraudulent Parties Can Use Your Number

The security risks associated with a stranger using a phone number connected to your Google account may not be immediately apparent. However, the answer to whether it can cause serious harm is a resounding “yes.” Scammers can carry out various fraudulent activities once they can access a Google Voice account. The following section outlines some of this scenario’s potential dangers and consequences.

Committing Crimes With Your Number

The goal of this scam involves scammers linking your number to their Google Voice number and using it to commit crimes such as fraud and identity theft without your knowledge.

When law enforcement or government agencies take action against the account and present a warrant or subpoena to Google, the search giant shares information about the scammer’s account, including your phone number. As a result, law enforcement or government agencies may track you down as the prime suspect for crimes committed by the scammer through their Google Voice account.

Using Your Number in Spam Calls

Using the Google Voice account with “spoofing” software, scammers can make calls from the Google Voice number that appear to originate from your actual phone number (which they obtained to initiate the scam initially).

Subsequently, they can contact acquaintances or family members identified via social media accounts and request money for fabricated scenarios disguised as emergencies.

Gain Access to Your Other Accounts

Scammers can exploit the Google Voice forwarding feature to obtain two-factor authentication (2FA) codes intended for you, enabling them to easily access any accounts linked to your phone number. Initially, scammers set up text message forwarding to redirect all messages sent to your phone to the Google Voice number under their control. After that, they scour criminal marketplaces for email addresses or usernames associated with your phone number or search for accounts that permit them to log in using a phone number.

Next, the scammer attempts to log in to various websites using your email address, such as email, social media, or even banking sites. They click on the “forgot password” option and select the alternative to confirm their identity using a code sent to the phone number linked to the account. The verification code is then forwarded to the scammer’s Google Voice account without your awareness, allowing them to access your account without entering your password.

Create New Accounts With Your Info

By using an authentic name and phone number, hackers and scammers can initiate identity theft, creating a false identity and opening new accounts in your name. Opening an account under your name can happen with just a single piece of information, as scammers can use reverse searches to uncover additional personal details, and many platforms don’t require a background check.

Fraudulent parties can later use false identities to create fake social media and email accounts, and scammers can even engage in suspicious online activity while impersonating you.

Calling Your Friends and Family

Scammers know that people are more likely to fall for a scam if it comes from someone they know. By using the Google Voice number associated with your phone number, scammers can exploit your loved ones, potentially causing them to lose money or sensitive information.

The scammers pretend to be you by calling or texting your friends and family using software that fakes your phone number. They then use social engineering tactics to convince your contacts to send money via cash apps or wire transfers, often by claiming to be in a desperate situation where they need financial assistance. Once they have received the money or personal information, the scammers disappear, leaving your loved ones at a loss and at risk of identity theft.

How to Protect Yourself from the Google Voice Scam

The Google Voice Scam has become increasingly common and sophisticated, making it critical for individuals to know how to protect themselves. There are several tips to help identify and avoid scams, which can help prevent the loss of personal information and money.

Check Caller ID

Firstly, checking caller ID is crucial for identifying the Google Voice Scam. Scammers often spoof their numbers to make it appear they are calling from a legitimate source such as Google. However, by checking the caller ID, individuals can confirm whether the call is from a genuine or random Google number.

Verify the Legitimacy of a Call

Secondly, verifying the call’s legitimacy can help individuals avoid these scams. If someone claims to be calling from Google, it is advisable to ask for their name, job title, and department to verify their legitimacy. Individuals can also hang up and call the Google support number to confirm the call’s legitimacy.

Avoid Sharing Your Verification Code At All Costs

Under no circumstances should you share a verification code with anyone. Two-factor authentication, which requires a security code in addition to your password, is one of the most effective methods to ensure online security. Still, it is useless if you disclose the code to others. You should only use verification codes when entering them into a website personally to authenticate your identity for the specific organization that issued the code.

What To Do You Fall Victim to the Scam

If the Google Voice scam has targeted you, you must not panic or blame yourself. These scammers are skilled and carry out such schemes frequently. Not feeling ashamed or frustrated is crucial, as these emotions may delay your response. Instead …

Change Your Passwords

It’s crucial to change your Google password and any passwords related to accounts associated with your phone number without delay. Social media accounts, banks, and utility companies also utilize your phone number, so it’s essential to update their passwords. While modifying passwords, prioritize password security by using complex, unique passwords.

Clear Your Number From Google Voice

Google’s website provides precise instructions for regaining control of your phone number from Google Voice. It’s crucial to remember that this is the sole recovery assistance you should seek since thieves frequently conduct recovery scams.

It only takes a few steps to ensure that another Google Voice account is not using your phone number. First, log in to your Google Voice account and click “Settings.” Then, under the “Linked numbers” section, select “New Linked Number.” Google Voice will send a six-digit code to your phone number, which you should enter on the website and then click “Verify.” If another account uses the phone number, you may receive the option to claim it. Click “Claim,” and the number will link to your Google Voice account. This process will ensure that your phone number is secure and not being used fraudulently by another individual or entity.

Contacting Your Financial Institution

Look for any signs of identity theft, as scammers who have linked your number to their Google Voice account may attempt other forms of identity theft. It’s important to closely monitor your financial accounts, credit reports, and any other personal information that could be compromised.

Therefore, you may want to contact your financial institution immediately. Inform them of the situation and ask them to monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

Reporting the Scam to the Authorities

Finally, you will want to report the scam to any relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local police department. Provide as much information as possible, including any phone numbers or email addresses used by the scammers.

Alerting Friends and Family About the Scam

Although optional, you may want to inform your friends and family about the scam so that they can take precautions to protect themselves. Scammers often use personal information obtained from one victim to target others, so it’s important to spread awareness and prevent further damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still, have questions? This section will address some of the remaining questions victims commonly ask about Google Voice scams.

Why Would a Scammer Want My Number?

Virtual phone numbers are a popular tool for scammers and criminals to carry out their illegal activities because they are difficult to trace. In addition, these criminals can leverage the legitimacy of previously used phone numbers to target unsuspecting victims more effectively.

Can I Share My Verification Code With Someone I Trust?

It’s crucial to understand that regardless of whether you have a personal relationship or have recently established trust with someone, you should never, under any circumstances, share any links or codes with anyone.

Why Am I No Longer Receiving Calls or Text Messages?

You may have unintentionally or mistakenly shared your account code/PIN with an untrusted source or perhaps under false pretenses. This action can have serious consequences as it allows someone else to gain control of your linked number and send or receive calls and texts while impersonating you. Sometimes, it may even prevent you from receiving calls or texts, making it difficult to detect the scam.

Can The Perpetrators of a Google Voice Scam Be Caught and Prosecuted?

In most cases, it is difficult to catch and prosecute the perpetrators of a Google Voice scam. Since scammers often use fake identities and virtual phone numbers that are difficult to trace, law enforcement agencies may face challenges in identifying and locating the individuals behind the scam. However, reporting any fraud or scamming to the relevant authorities, such as the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Reporting can help track the scale of the problem and identify patterns that could lead to the arrest of perpetrators.

What Other Scams Should I Be Aware of That Use Similar Tactics To The Google Voice Scam?

Several scams use similar tactics to the Google Voice scam that you should be aware of:

One of them is Social Media Scams. Here, scammers can create fake profiles on social media platforms to trick you into giving them your personal information. They may also ask you to share a verification code, just like in the Google Voice scam, to take control of your account. The second one is the email scam. In it, scammers can send emails that appear to be from a trusted source, such as a bank or government agency, and ask you to click on a link or provide personal information. They may also ask you to share a verification code to gain access to your account.

Be Prepared

The Google Voice Scam is a serious threat that can lead to financial loss or identity theft. Scammers use this tactic to trick unsuspecting individuals into providing personal information or money by posing as Google representatives. Therefore, it becomes increasingly important to be aware of the scam and take appropriate measures to protect oneself.