Consumer tip: Be careful of this Google Voice scam – Marin Independent Journal

The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about a new scam on the rise, targeting people selling items on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace or posting about lost pets on social media. Scammers contact posters pretending to be potential buyers or claiming they found the lost pet, but they are concerned that the seller is not a real person or pet owner. They send the consumer a text message with a Google Voice verification code, ostensibly to verify the consumers identity. Scammers then use the verification code to create a Google Voice number linked to your phone number, which can then be used to hide the scammers identity and take advantage of other people. Dont share a verification code with anyone you didnt contact first.

If you think youve been a victim of this scam, Google has instructions to reclaim your number within 45 days. Go to voice.google.com, settings, linked number and enter your phone number under new linked number.

More information at marincountyda.org or 415-473-6495

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Consumer tip: Be careful of this Google Voice scam - Marin Independent Journal