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By Paul Goldfinger, Editor at Blogfinger.ner
Scene: I put an ad on Craig’s List to sell a baby walker.
I allowed my cell phone number to be listed. A short time later I receive a text message…
U (unknown texter): Is the item for sale still available?
M (me) Yes.
U: I want it, but I want to verify that you are real. I will send you a Google voice code which you can return to me; then I will call you.
M: OK
U: He sends a numerical code number and asks that I return it, but his phone number is different from the first and is from Minnesota.
M: I suspect fraud, so I don’t respond
U: I really want the item; please send me the code
M: I don’t respond
U: I want it, I want it, I want it
U: ???
U: ???
U:???
I’m done…
This scam uses your phone number to get the scammer a Google phone number, but he needs that code returned to make the theft work. He then uses that new Google phone number to commit on-line crimes. Don’t ever return a code as part of a process that you did not initiate.
Some of you are familiar with code-backs as part of your bank’s extra layer of security. For example, when I want to sign onto Wells Fargo online banking, I first put in my user name and password. Then I get to request the code. When it comes, I send it back to the bank so I can gain entry into my account. When Wells sends the code, it comes with a message, “We will not call or text you for this code.”
Be careful, thieves can get into your bank account and remove cash. Change your passwords regularly.
ONE DIRECTION: