If you are looking to sell anything online, you should be aware of the Google Voice scam. Scammers are posing as interested buyers on online marketplaces and are trying to steal your personal information to create a fake Google Voice account in your name.

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is also receiving reports from victims who claim to not have a Google Voice account. In this scenario, scammers set up a Google Voice account and link it to the phone number of the person they call so they can create a fake post selling the same items as a legitimate seller.

• To completely avoid a Google Voice verification scam, only do business inperson with verified funds.

• Take your time while selling items online. If someone asks you to share a Google verification code with them, don’t do it.

• If you fall victim to a Google Voice scam, you should disconnect your number.
Go to https://support.google.com/voice/answ... and scroll down to the section labeled “Disconnect your number from Google Voice”. Click on “disconnect your number” at the end of the first sentence, which will take you to a page that says “Take your number back”.
Enter the phone number you want to remove from Google Voice on the take your number back page and click “Send the code”. It will send a verification code to your phone via text message.
Enter the verification code once you receive it. You will be notified that your number has been removed.

• For more information on the Google Voice verification scam, or if you believe you are a victim, contact the ITRC at no cost by phone (888.400.5530) or livechat on the company website https://www.idtheftcenter.org.