How ironic can life be sometimes? Google originally had the motto “Don’t be evil” as a code of conduct, but scammers try to use other users’ email accounts to access information and possibly sensitive data.
Google verification codes are usually generated by the Google authenticator to complete Gmail’s two-step verification. The main reason behind this is to ensure that the one who logs in is the actual owner of the account.
But what if Google sends you a verification code when you haven’t asked for one? This comes as something different for the users.
Although Google never sends verification codes on its own, receiving one can confuse the user at times. Most users are familiar with the “unable to receive verification code from Google” error, but not many know what to do when they receive a verification code without even asking for it.
If you are in the middle of a similar situation, read this blog till the end to know everything.
Probable Reasons Why You May Receive Google Verification Code Without Asking
The following are some of the cases that may explain why you are getting the code without even asking for it in the first place.
If somehow, a person can succeed in logging into their account. Should that happen, they will likely try to change your account login details. This includes your verification email, password, phone number, and security questions. A security code will be sent to your email address to ensure no further changes are made without the permission of the account owner.
It’s common for Google to send you a verification code every time you try to sign in from an old device. The reason behind that may be the fact that you have deleted cookies from your web browser on that device.
There are also chances that the user will receive the verification code via email in case they have updated their web browser, the app or when they have been using incognito mode before.
It is quite possible that a scammer will get your mobile phone number from the public domain or through some kind of online portal. After this, the scammers can remove the forwarding number from your accounts.
The main goal of scammers is to divert calls to your personal or private number. But if they get their hands on your personal mobile number, they will most likely use it to create a Google account and get a new Google Voice number.
Also, this will be used to scam others. There is only one thing that can save you from being scammed, and that is the Google verification code that is sent to your phone.
As soon as a user logs into Gmail, the email service will make sure that it is the actual owner who is trying to access the account. Therefore, the service will prompt the user to complete various login steps. This only happens in the following cases;
- When someone tries to sign in from a location where you don’t normally access your account
- When someone tries to sign in from a device for the first time.
Another additional step includes the Google security code that will be sent to you via text message.
Changing the password is quite common and important for users if they want to protect their accounts. Google will send you a verification code by SMS or email, even if they have requested it.
Apart from that, a login alert also appears in your email informing you of the immediate change, in case you want to take any action on it.
Many users make good use of browser extensions and third-party applications to improve the overall user experience. Sometimes some of these extensions may require the user to log into their Gmail account to access the services they offer.
Users can try to disable all kinds of extensions and applications of the web browser you are using to get rid of this problem.
Additional scenarios where a user receives a verification code from someone else
In case you have received an unsolicited Google verification code from an unknown number, there may be a couple of scenarios at play;
- Someone else has used your mobile phone number for a two-step verification method for your account.
- He’s a scammer trying to exploit you.
It is strictly prohibited for anyone to reply to a message in which an unknown user requests a verification code. Instead, you need to sign in to your Gmail account and change the password.
To fix this problem, Google will immediately send a code to your email account in the format G-******.
If by chance, the user gives away the verification code, things can get worse.
Consequences of sharing the verification code
- The user will lose their Google voice
- Your account verification mobile phone number will be changed.
- The password of the email account will be changed.
- The verification email will be changed.
Over time, users lose control of everything related to their accounts. This also includes all data, whether personal or professional.
It is also very possible that the scammer is trying to extort money from you in exchange for your account. To make matters worse, the scammer may even use your account to scam others out of money, claiming that you are in a state of emergency.
Easy Ways to Avoid Google Verification Code Scams
Here are some security measures that can be used to easily get away from such Google verification code scams;
- A user may try to ignore the message or even delete it entirely.
- Try verifying the email or mobile number to make sure it is from Google and authentic.
- You can also try to change your account details, including your password, security questions, and email address or mobile phone number.
- Try to avoid showing your mobile phone number in public. If you feel you need to display it for business or other personal reasons, make sure you’re not signed in with your Google account.
In addition to all this, you can also try to activate the 2-step verification process for Google. Following are the steps on how to do the same;
- Begin the procedures by clicking on this link to access your Google account.
- From there, you will need to select the “security” option within the navigation panel.
- In the next window, just below the “Sign in to Google” option, choose 2-Step Verification.
- Finish the process by pressing the button that says “start”.
After doing this, just follow the instructions on your screen.
Keep in mind that while 2-Step Verification offers an added layer of security, codes that are sent by mobile number or text message are still vulnerable to mobile-based hacking issues.
This is also one of the main reasons why users receive a verification code from Google without even asking for it.
Conclusion
Google services are widely considered to be one of the best in terms of security, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. If you receive a verification code from Google, someone is probably trying to access your account.
A user may also receive this message if they log in from a new or old device. The above mentioned scenarios and tips can help users to fix this issue with Google verification code.
For any additional information on what a Google verification code is or queries of any kind, you can also go to the Google help and support center.
Until we meet again! Keep searching on Google.
Also read:
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Gmail not syncing with your iPhone? This is what you can do
This is how you can easily get away with ‘Address not found’ error in Gmail
Read this to find out if you can recover your permanently deleted Gmail account
Categories: Technology
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
