Our content marketing queen Allie gets texts with her Uber sign-in code now and then. The problem? She’s not trying to get into her Uber account; someone else is.
She ignores them because she’s well-versed in smishing, phishing and other criminal schemes. Tap or click here for a crash course in smishing scams. But of course, not all texts with verification codes are fraudulent.
Sometimes you might get a verification code for a good reason. The problem is that it’s hard to distinguish between scams and important texts. That’s why we’ve put together this guide that will help you learn what to do when you get a random text with a verification code.
Always be cautious
In general, take it as a sign to be more vigilant. An unrequested verification code is a giant neon sign saying, “Someone is trying to sign in to your account!” That means your username and password could be compromised.
Thus, it’s time to log into your account and change your password. Make sure you’re coming up with something strong and unique. Tap or click here to create easy-to-remember yet super-tough passwords.
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This could also signify that your account details were leaked in a data breach. These aren’t nearly as rare as they should be. Criminals constantly launch coordinated attacks on organizations that have your private details, from businesses to hospitals.
So it’s a good idea to check cybersecurity databases now and then. They’re super easy to use: Just enter your email address or phone number, and you’ll see if your private details are public property. Tap or click here for one free database that lets you see if your data is floating around the web.
Are the alerts coming from your bank? Watch out
Some accounts are much more critical than others, of course. A verification code for your Netflix account isn’t as dangerous as one from your bank. If you’re getting an alert from your bank, call it and check to see if anyone has accessed your account.
It’s best to nip any potential financial issues in the bud ASAP. Otherwise, you could deal with a drained bank account, a ruined credit score and a stolen identity. Tap or click here for three surefire signs someone stole your identity.
Take the extra time to reach out to your bank. Don’t reply to the text directly. Instead, look up the website or location and call the official number.
You may not need to take this extra step for most texts you get, though. This is just the case for banks since they have highly-sensitive information. You can ignore the text for most accounts once you’re sure your account is protected.
If you’re getting a verification code from an account that records logins or devices, like streaming services that show all connected devices, it’s worth checking that nothing strange is happening in your account.
If you aren’t careful, you might even lose your account. Tap or click here to avoid one common mistake that will lock you out of your own Netflix account.
A few things to keep in mind
Remember, if you get a verification code you didn’t request, your account could be in danger. We recommend changing your password to something more robust.
However, maybe your account is fine. Maybe your username and password are still secure, but a cybercriminal is trying to rattle you. It’s a common tactic in smishing or text messaging scams.
Bad guys will send you texts with verification codes or suspicious links, trying to make you click them. The websites you’re taken to infect your device with malware. Tap or click here for six phony text messages to watch out for.
You’ll rarely get random text messages or emails with links you didn’t ask for. That’s why you should be cautious. Instead of clicking on the link, reach out to the official organization and see if the messages were legitimate.
It’s an extra step, but the effort is well worth it. If you don’t follow proper precautions, you could lose a ton of money. AARP says cons that started with text messages stole $86 million from Americans in 2020.
Criminals aren’t the only cause
Getting a recovery code you weren’t expecting could mean someone made an account with your email. Some people have no scruples, so they’ll use your contact information to sign up for new accounts.
Scroll through Twitter and you might stumble upon a few people grumbling about TikTok confirmation codes. Even though they never signed up (or don’t recall making an account), they get codes like this:
Did I make a TikTok account and forget about it and now someone is trying to get into it, or did someone just try to register a TikTok account to my number?
The answer is probably un-knowable. pic.twitter.com/G5CeAlP0yP
— Aaron Reynolds (@aaronreynolds) October 12, 2019
This could very well be a phishing scam. It could also be something way less nefarious. Sometimes, kids without proper digital education think it’s okay to use random numbers or emails when creating accounts.These random email addresses or numbers could be your phone number or email address.
Few children understand two-factor authentication. When they try to sign in to their new account, the site’s confirmation code goes straight to you.
If you keep getting verification codes for accounts you never created, go to the site, change the password and shut the account down. Otherwise, you may have to deal with endless notifications.
Read more
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This text is a cleverly disguised shopping scam – don’t click!
FAQs
An unrequested verification code is a giant neon sign saying, “Someone is trying to sign in to your account!” That means your username and password could be compromised. Thus, it's time to log into your account and change your password.
Why did I get a verification code when I didn't request it? ›
A: If you receive an authentication code but did not request one, there is a chance your account password has been compromised – but don't worry, whomever is attempting to access your account cannot get the code sent to you. We would recommend immediately changing your affected account password. Have questions?
Is it normal for someone to ask for a verification code? ›
What may seem like an attempt to verify your identity during a sale may actually make you a target for scammers. Scammers reach out to you and say they want to make sure you are who you say you are, so they send you a text with a Google Voice verification code. They then ask you to send them that code.
What happens if you give a scammer a verification code? ›
If a scammer gets your Google Voice verification code they can potentially commit other crimes concealing their identity while linked to your personal data.
Why am I getting a text with a Google verification code? ›
You've signed up for 2-Step Verification
If you use 2-Step Verification, you've elected to get a verification code by text when you sign in. This code adds an extra layer of security to your account.
Who is 22395 text? ›
Gemini uses (952) 234-8378 and short code 22395 to communicate SMS authentication with customers. Gemini will never text or call you for your authentication code, please do not share this with anyone.
How do I stop getting verification codes? ›
Turn off 2-Step Verification
- On your Android phone or tablet, open your device's Settings app Google. Manage your Google Account.
- At the top, tap Security.
- Under "Signing in to Google," tap 2-Step Verification. You might need to sign in.
- Tap Turn off.
- Confirm by tapping Turn off.
A numeric or alphanumeric code that is texted or emailed to users to verify their identity. Verification codes are widely used as a second authentication factor (see two-factor authentication).
What number is 777204160002? ›
In order to use this direct connection, all SMS notifications to customers with Verizon cell phone service need to come from a different address than they have in the past. These text notifications are sent from '777204160002,' similar to the notifications received by AT&T and T-Mobile customers.
What is the most common verification code? ›
There are different verification code types, but the most commonly used is CAPTCHA. This generates a random code within an image next to a text box. The form visitor has to type in the exact code in order for the form data to be sent.
With two-factor authentication, you'll need a verification code to sign in with your Apple ID on a new device or browser. Whenever you sign in with your Apple ID on a new device or browser, you'll confirm your identity with your password plus a six-digit verification code.
What app sends verification code? ›
If you set up 2-Step Verification, you can use the Google Authenticator app to generate codes. You can still generate codes without internet connection or mobile service. Learn more about 2-Step Verification.
Why did I get a random verification code? ›
The Google account the verification code is either: to log into the mobile users account where they already have the username and password; or. to create a new account linked to that phone number, if they are trying to create an account that cannot be traced back to them, normally for scamming or spam.
Can someone hack your phone with a verification code? ›
If you receive 2FA codes over SMS and hackers gain access to your phone, they can bypass your security. Instead, use an authenticator app, which requires stronger security measures, such as biometric identification.
Why would a scammer send me a code? ›
After requesting your cell phone number, the scammer sends a verification code by text message and asks that you send them the code to prove your identity. Once the code is provided, the scammer goes on to create a Google Voice number linked to your cell phone number, often to be used for additional scams.
What if a scammer has my phone number? ›
Once scammers know your number, they can target you with phishing texts and calls, or trick you into downloading malware and giving up personal information. And once they gain access to your personally identifiable information (PII), it doesn't take much more to access your financial (and other sensitive) accounts.
Why am I getting a messenger verification code? ›
Code Verify automatically checks that you're using an authentic version of Messenger Web to ensure that your messages are between you and your intended recipients.
How do I check activity on my Google Account? ›
Find activity
- Go to your Google Account.
- On the left navigation panel, click Data & privacy.
- Under "History settings," click My Activity.
- To view your activity: Browse your activity, organized by day and time. At the top, use the search bar and filters to find specific activity.
COMCAST4U is free to Comcast customers, and Comcast does not charge a fee to use this service, nor does it charge for text messages sent to the Comcast short code (266278) or for receipt of alerts. Standard text messaging rates may apply from a customer's respective wireless service provider.
What is 266278 on a text message? ›
Manage Text Alerts
To stop receiving text alerts, text STOP to 266278, and if you ever want to restart text alerts, just text START to 266278 from your mobile device.
How To Identify a Fake Text Message In 5 Seconds
- The text message is unsolicited (scammers will always contact you out of the blue).
- The text sender has a long phone number (10 or 11 digits).
- The phone number is “spoofed” (i.e., it looks like it's coming from someone you know or trust).
It's specifically offered for WhatsApp users who are unable to complete verification via text message. You can read more on WhatsApp's support page for verification. If you're having issues receiving text authentication in general, try sending a text message to the short code 28849 with either the word INFO or HELP.
What does message verification code mean? ›
What is SMS verification? SMS text verification lets websites, apps, banks, and social networks double-check the identity of a user. After entering your username and password, companies will send an SMS verification number to your smartphone. Use that number to complete your login. That's SMS verification.
What is a verification code on a debit card? ›
The Card Verification Code, or CVC*, is an extra code printed on your debit or credit card. With most cards (Visa, MasterCard, bank cards, etc.) it is the final three digits of the number printed on the signature strip on the reverse of your card.
What number is 94379? ›
94379 - Kaiser Permanente. 692484 - Credit card notifications.
Can I send you a code to know you are real? ›
“Can I send you a code to make sure you're not a fake?” Don't be fooled- the person sending the texts knows you aren't the scammer, but wants to scam you. Sgt. Keith Horrocks says scams like this one have been pretty pervasive since the advent of the internet.
What is the four verification code? ›
Card Verification Code (CVC) is a 3 or 4 digit code that protects your credit card from possible fraud.
What is the 6 digit verification? ›
With ever increasing cyber security threats, these six digit pins serve as a verification code and provide a great system to help users authenticate their identity. It's not uncommon for companies like banks to issue a verification otp (one time password) to confirm security while logging in.
What are all the types of verification? ›
- 1) Knowledge-Based Authentication.
- 2) Two-Factor Authentication.
- 3)Credit Bureau-Based Authentication.
- 4)Database Methods.
- 5)Online Verification.
- 6)Biometric Verification.
- Where It Is Necessary To Verify Identity?
if you get a message 81961, and it says “Your Apple ID verification code is… and show 6 random numbers, that is fake.
Go to Settings > [your name]. A list of the devices associated with your Apple ID appears near the bottom of the screen. To see if a listed device is trusted, tap it, then look for “This device is trusted and can receive Apple ID verification codes.” To remove a device, tap it, then tap Remove from Account.
How do I turn off the verification code on my iPhone? ›
If you're already using two-factor authentication with your Apple ID, you can't turn it off. If you updated to two-factor authentication inadvertently, you can turn it off within two weeks of enrollment. If you do, your account is less secure and you can't use features that require a higher level of security.
Which text now allows verification codes? ›
For safety reasons, only TextNow numbers that are locked in (either through our lock in number subscription, Ad-Free+, or our wireless service) can receive verification codes. You can find the upgrade that works best for you in the "My Store" section of the TextNow app menu.
Is there a text app that can receive verification codes? ›
1. Burner. The Burner app is one of the best free texting apps to receive verification codes. One of the coolest and most notable features of this app is that it allows users like you to choose the phone number of your choice.
How do I receive a verification code? ›
Try these solutions in order until you can receive verification messages.
- Reboot your Android. ...
- Check your phone number. ...
- Turn Airplane mode on and off. ...
- Make sure you can receive calls and messages. ...
- Delete text messages in your inbox. ...
- Unblock unknown senders. ...
- Check with your cell phone carrier.
ID.me sends a text message when you give an ID.me partner access to your identity information. For example, you may have authorized a state workforce agency or federal government agency, like the Internal Revenue Service, to access your information. This text notification is one way ID.me helps protect you from fraud.
What is random verification? ›
random verification means a verification of a sample of declarations based on criteria defined by law of one of the Parties to the present Treaty; Sample 1Sample 2Sample 3.
Can you tell if your phone is being monitored? ›
However, if someone is spying on your phone, there are common signs you can look out for. You may notice a rapid increase in your phone's data usage, suspicious files or applications, or strange text messages that you don't remember sending. Your device may also show signs of malfunctioning behavior.
How do you know if someone is watching you through your phone camera? ›
Unfortunately, there is no direct way to check if the camera or the microphone of your Android device is being accessed. However, there is a workaround for it. Android users can download an app called Access Dots from the Google Play Store which will notify users the same way iPhone does.
How do you know if someone is secretly tracking your phone? ›
How to Know if Someone Is Tracking Your Phone
- Unknown Apps. When using your phone, you should look out for applications that you don't remember installing. ...
- Excessive Background Data Usage. Try to frequently monitor the background data usage of your device. ...
- Browser History Mismatch. ...
- Battery Drain. ...
- Abnormal Reboot.
Your phone can be hacked, just like any other device with internet connectivity. Phones are particularly tempting targets for hackers because these devices usually have access to a huge amount of user data, from banking information to social media passwords.
Why did I receive a messenger verification code? ›
Code Verify automatically checks that you're using an authentic version of Messenger Web to ensure that your messages are between you and your intended recipients.
Why did I get an Apple ID code text? ›
A text or voice call will ever be made when you request a code to your backup number if you're unable to access a trusted device.
What is the text from 244444? ›
Why do I keep getting verification codes text to me from 24444? This question is locked and replying has been disabled. 24444 is a shortcode used by Google for a two step authentication process by sending authentication codes to your phone.
What does it mean when you get a text from 32665? ›
32665 is the first text message if a person wants to update his Facebook status via SMS. The number (on the phone keypad) is spelled FBOOK. If you have set up Facebook SMS, you can send a text message (SMS) to 32665 (FBOOK) to get notifications without using mobile data.
What is Messenger code 32665? ›
If you've set up Facebook texts, you can send a text (SMS) to 32665 (FBOOK) to get notifications without using mobile data. Keep in mind that standard messaging rates apply. You can choose what you want to get notified about from your settings.
What is a verification code message? ›
What is SMS verification? SMS text verification lets websites, apps, banks, and social networks double-check the identity of a user. After entering your username and password, companies will send an SMS verification number to your smartphone. Use that number to complete your login. That's SMS verification.
What is a verification code on Iphone? ›
With two-factor authentication, you'll need a verification code to sign in with your Apple ID on a new device or browser. Whenever you sign in with your Apple ID on a new device or browser, you'll confirm your identity with your password plus a six-digit verification code.
What is text short code 729725? ›
If the code is coming from 729-725, that is PayPal's messaging number, so someone may have your sign-in credentials.
What is the text code 732873? ›
The SMS short code 732-873 belongs to VerifyPhoneSMS (www.verifyphonesms.com) and is used to provide SMS gateway services. Many legitimate companies use this service to send texts for 2 factor authorization/identity verification.
95737 - Google is verifying your number for Chat features [7 character verification code]
How do I check if my Apple ID is being used by someone else? ›
Sign in to the Apple ID website (https://appleid.apple.com) and review all the personal and security information in your account to see if there is any information that someone else has added. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, review trusted devices for any devices that you don't recognize.
What is the text from 81961 about Apple ID code? ›
if you get a message 81961, and it says “Your Apple ID verification code is… and show 6 random numbers, that is fake.
Would Apple send me a text message? ›
Apple will never send you a text message. This is a scam message trying to obtain your Apple ID credentials.
