What’s a verification code and why would someone ask me for it? (2024)

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FAQs

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Charlene Cole

March 07, 2024

Great advice. My accounts have been attacked by family member, possibly sold on the “black web” I have lost thousands of dollars that Cannot be recovered by me.

My stimulus check was stolen. To get the money back IRS, expects me to do a vast amount to get it back. I cannot physically do them.

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Bibi05

March 08, 2024

Excellent info- we like receiving verification code by text (is very fast_)-
BUT FYI some companies like Panasonic send the code -called OTP for "one time pass"_ by EMAIL only'; it took 30 minutes to arrive and get it--their server is so slow--a real pain, We spent 2 h and tried 10 times to get it to register for their 12 months warranty-!!-

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If your financial institution website supports it, another option is an authentication app or a physical token. It’s harder to be tricked into giving up those codes since the scammers can’t make it look like they sent it to you. Additionally, they help protect against SIM swapping.

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Ray

March 08, 2024

This is not true. Some companies like Fidelity Investments have poor business practices. Just this week I was on the phone with Fidelity customer support to rollover funds over to a new brokerage firm and I was sent a OTP code that they asked for. I wasn't going to do it but in the text it specifically says "Don't give to anyone unless customer support asks for it", so I did and the transfer went through just fine. In my opinion this is a slippery slope since this business practice is not normal and getting people used to giving out the code to customer support (or anyone) is a bad idea. We need to get Fidelity to quit doing this, so that we NEVER have to give out the OTP code...

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Joe

March 11, 2024

In reply to This is not true. Some… by Ray

Exactly! I just commented this same thing about T-Mobile customer service and then saw your comment. I suggested that the article specify that it's referring to incoming communications that weren't initiated by yourself at the same time

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val

March 08, 2024

Verification codes change every time you log into your bank. The bank will call or text you with a new code every time you log in.

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Eva

March 08, 2024

Gan verification codes be hacked? Suppose the hacker gets your log in details, then hang on to it then later on use man in the middle system to get your verification code, so when you think you're sending it to your bank for confirmation, they are able to intercept the info and gain access to your account. Personally, I am a bit doubtful of this method as there can be a way of intercepting....of course, nothing is totally safe, but I do not trust this method for my banking.

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Nancy Wilkerson

March 11, 2024

I got a phone call from a email account I had no idea of how they were able to call me from a email address?
I didn't answer the call, I didn't recognize the name on the email address either..
Can you please send me the answer to my questions?
Thank you in advance.

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Alvin Singh

March 08, 2024

Verification code to login to your account protect you from hackers and scammers. What l like about the Verification code is that it always different from the other codes and valid for a few short minutes

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judith M Christensen

March 08, 2024

Thanks for educating people.
I was a victim or a scam that was about contacting Hewlett Packard to get tech support for my printer. Was transferred to scammers. Charged me for fake software. Contacted me my bank about card charges.
AI followed my wireless bank call. Criminals had a team using voice intercept & cut out bank
Connection. I had no clue. Man
called me next morning posing as BANK Fraud Investigator.
He got my account number & stole 16k from my money maker account!. My retirement is at risk now. Horrible!!

  • Reply

Joe

March 11, 2024

Why would T-Mobile customer service need to send me a code after I have already verified my account at the start of the call with the automated system? The same text messaged codes that state: "Your T-Mobile ID verification code is XXXXX. For your security never share your verification code. T-Mobile will never contact you to ask for your code."

This article should specify that it is referring to inbound communications that you didn't initiate yourself. (Although I still don't see why T-Mobile and many other customer service departments even use automated verification systems when they need you to go through and verify all the exact same information right afterwards

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Susan

March 12, 2024

Minutes ago it happened to me. I received a call from cox communications, it actually said that on my phone screen. When I answered, he said that since I recently installed cox as my internet he was checking on how it was working for me. He was correct, 2 months ago I did set up cox service. How did he know that? I told him that it did not improve my tv speed and I planned to have it disconnected. He offered to increase my speed but to “ Erich who I was” he wanted me to give him the. Erick action code he just sent me. Fortunately, I did not but it was very convincing.

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Timothy chung

March 19, 2024

I lost my identity number to submit my federal income tax! How will I ask for a new number

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MD.Naimur Hasan

April 19, 2024

What is verification code

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renee hutchins

April 22, 2024

What if they tell you that they've gotten money for you but you have to take some surveys first. But each one I have to give them my email. is that a scam.

  • Reply

Jordan Chaussee

May 03, 2024

This didn’t help me

  • Reply
What’s a verification code and why would someone ask me for it? (2024)

FAQs

Why would someone ask me for a verification code? ›

It is not a proof of identity, nor a confirmation of anything. If someone asks you to send them a code, or tell them a code over the phone, it is a red flag that they are trying to scam you. Google, Craigslist, Facebook or any other legitimate platform will never ask you for your verification code.

What can someone do with your verification code? ›

If you give them the code, they can log into your account and transfer all the money out of your savings or investment accounts. Never give your verification code to someone else. It's only for you to log into your account. Anyone who asks you for your account verification code is a scammer.

What does it mean if you get a random verification code? ›

What you might be dealing with is a clever tactic known as an MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) bypass attack. Hackers may be trying to steal you or your employer's data by spamming you with random verification code texts in an attempt to bypass your MFA protections.

Why do I need a verification code? ›

The verification code serves as a security measure to prevent spam and malicious bot attacks on online forms, ensuring that only legitimate users can submit data. 2.

What is the purpose of code verification? ›

Code verification thus addresses both the correctness of the chosen numerical algorithm and the correctness of the instantiation of that algorithm into written source code, i.e., ensuring there are no coding mistakes or “bugs.”

What is the 6 digit verification code? ›

These phone numbers allow marketers to communicate with consumers about things like promotional offers, new products and services. 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.

What if a scammer has my phone number? ›

If you think you have been a victim of subscriber fraud: Contact local law enforcement and file a police report. You can also file an identity theft report with the FTC. Notify your current service provider as well as the service provider for the fraudulent account.

Is it OK to share verification codes over the phone? ›

Don't share your verification code with anyone

To prevent unwanted access to your account, it's important you don't reply to any requests for your verification code.

What to do to get verification code? ›

There are a few ways you can get a verification code. You can use the code displayed on your trusted device, get a text or phone call, or generate a code from your trusted device. If you use iOS 11.3 or later on your iPhone, you might not need to enter a verification code.

What is the most common verification code? ›

The most commonly used verification codes are as follows:
  • Security key.
  • Duo and Google Authenticator.
  • SMS/Text.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  • Captcha.
Feb 22, 2024

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?

What triggers a Google verification code? ›

Google verification code is sent when someone is trying to access your Google Account and you have set 2FA using this verification code. If you are sure you never requested the verification code, that could mean someone has tried to login to your account using your email and password.

What is the main purpose of verification? ›

It is a process that is used to evaluate whether a product, service, or system complies with regulations, specifications, or conditions imposed at the start of a development phase. Verification can be in development, scale-up, or production. This is often an internal process.

Why do I get a verification required? ›

If a message says 'billing problem with previous purchase' or 'verification required' If these messages appear, you might be unable to make purchases, download free apps, or use subscriptions. To fix the issue, change your payment method.

Is verification code the same as security code? ›

* The name of this code differs between card companies. You may also know it as the Card Verification Value (CVV), the Card Security Code or the Personal Security Code.

What happens when you get a verification code that I didn t request? ›

Social Media: Receiving a two-factor authentication code you didn't request shows that your security is working, but it's also an indication that someone may have your password and be trying to break into your account.

What if someone asks for Google verification code? ›

To prevent unwanted access to your account, it's important you don't reply to any requests for your verification code. Google employees will never ask for this code. Remember that good security practices are critical to the integrity of your Google Account.

Why is someone asking me for a code on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Once a scammer says they want to buy your item, they will first ask for your phone number and ask you to confirm your identity. Once you give them your phone number, they will ask you to text a code to them that pops up on your cellphone they provide.

Why do buyers ask for a code? ›

It's likely a scam if a buyer asks you for a verification code and says it's so they can verify your listing. This typically means that they're trying to log into your account and need the code to get past the two-step verification feature.

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