What Is a Google Voice Verification Code Used For? (2024)

During the Google Voice signup process, you'll receive a Google Voice verification code to complete the process. Hopefully, you'll only ever encounter them while signing up for Google Voice, but sometimes you may receive one as part of a larger scam.

As such, let's explore what a Google Voice verification code is and what to do with one.

What Is a Google Voice Verification Code?

When you sign up for Google Voice, Google will send you a code to make sure it's actually you doing the application. This is an important step, because it's possible to bind a Google Voice account to an existing phone number.

Ideally, you should receive this code as a natural part of the process when signing up for Google Voice. If this is the case, go ahead and enter the code to continue the setup.

What if I Did Not Sign Up for Google Voice, but Got a Code Anyway?

If you receive a Google Voice code without actually signing up for it, there's a good chance that someone else tried to sign up to Google Voice using your phone number. This is likely because you listed your phone number somewhere and someone contacted you about it, asking for the code.

They may create a story to justify why they need you to send over the code. For example, if you listed an item for sale on a website, they may contact you saying that they're willing to buy, but they need you to send over the code so they can establish contact with you.

Regardless of their story, never give them the Google Voice verification code. If you do, the other person will set up a Google Voice account on your phone number, and can use it to gather information on you. This is how the Google Voice verifiation code scam works.

If someone is asking you for the code, cease communication immediately and do not talk to them anymore. Even if they're offering you something good in exchange for the code, they have no desire to actually give you anything; all they want to do is to scam you.

If you accidentally gave your Google Voice verification code to someone, follow the Google Voice Help tutorial on reclaiming your number. And if you want to list a phone number without risk of falling to this scam, try using a temporary burner phone number app.

Never Give Out Your Google Voice Verification Code

The Google Voice verification code is only meant to be seen and used by you set up a Google Voice account. Never give it to someone asking it, no matter how good their story is.