TL;DR: You list something on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. A “buyer” says they’ve been scammed before and need to verify you’re real, so they’ll send a code to your phone. That code is a Google Voice verification code. If you share it, they get a Google Voice number linked to your phone number, which they use to scam others under your identity. Never share a code you didn’t ask for; if you did, reclaim your number through Google.
How it works
The FTC has warned about this for years, and it’s still everywhere:
- You post an item for sale.
- A “buyer” messages and asks for your phone number.
- They say they want to make sure you’re a real person, so they’ll send a code.
- A text arrives: “Your Google Voice verification code is 123456.”
- They ask you to send it back.
If you do, they’ve set up a Google Voice number linked to your real number. They can now scam other people from a number that traces back to you, and may try to use your name and number to get into your accounts.
Why it works
It flips the script. You’re the cautious one, worried about scam buyers, and they appeal to that: “I’ve been scammed before, I just need to check you’re legit.” It feels mutual and reasonable. It isn’t.
The rule
Never share a verification code you didn’t request yourself. Not with buyers, not with “support,” not with anyone. Codes exist to prove that *you* are doing something. Handing one over lets someone else do it as you. See why you should never share an OTP.
If you shared the code
Follow Google’s steps to reclaim your number: sign up for Google Voice yourself, choose to link your number, and if it’s already linked to another account, Google offers a way to reclaim it after verifying you own it. Then:
- watch for messages from people saying “you scammed me”;
- change passwords on accounts that use SMS codes and switch them to an authenticator app;
- report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Safer selling
Keep chats inside the marketplace app, meet in public (many police stations have safe exchange zones), take cash or an in-app payment, and ignore buyers who want codes, overpayments or courier pickups. Our guides on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist cover the rest, and marketplace rules compares platforms.
Check your number’s exposure
Sellers publish their number and name constantly. A free email exposure check shows whether your email is in breach data too, and where phone numbers get exposed explains the phone side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a buyer ask me for a verification code?
To use it to create a Google Voice number linked to your phone number. It’s a scam.
What can a scammer do with my Google Voice code?
Set up a Google Voice number tied to your number and use it to scam others, and possibly target your accounts.
How do I get my number back from Google Voice?
Follow Google’s reclaim steps: try to link your number in Google Voice and choose to reclaim it if it’s already in use.
Where do I report this scam?
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the marketplace where it happened.