Security News > 2022 > January > FBI warns about ongoing Google Voice authentication scams

The Federal Bureau of Investigation says Americans who share their phone number online are being targeted by Google Voice authentication scams.

If successful, they will set up a Google Voice account in their victims' names or hijack their Gmail accounts which will later be used in other fraud schemes or in phishing attacks.

The scammers will reach out to their targets via text messages or email showing their interest in the item put up for sale, asking the seller to verify their offer is legitimate and they're a real person and not a bot by sharing an authentication code they'll receive from Google.

"What he is really doing is setting up a Google Voice account in your name using your real phone number as verification," the agency added.

"Once set up, he can use that Google Voice account to conduct any number of scams against other victims that won't come back directly to him. He can also use that code to gain access to, and take over, your Gmail account."

The FBI advises victims of Google Voice authentication scams to check Google's support website for information on how to retake control of their Google Voice account and reclaim their Voice number.

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https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/fbi-warns-about-ongoing-google-voice-authentication-scams/