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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: