Google Voice is used to make calls, send messages and manage voicemail with a virtual number which is offered for free. With this service, communication is seamless because a single phone number can reach many devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. With features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription and call screening, Google Voice is perfect for both personal life and work. However, since Google Voice is really easy to use and flexible, scammers are also attracted to it and fraud is growing on the platform. Since Google Voice scams are on the rise, it is now more important than ever for users to know how they work and how to stay safe.
Be sure to learn what pitfalls exist to stay informed. In this article, we will go over different methods that scammers use in Google Voice scams and explain what you can do to keep yourself protected.
What are Google Voice scams?
Scammers use Google Voice to get an anonymous number, which makes it easier to break the law undetected. Often, in these scams, the scammers act as if they are from a trusted business, government agency or your own family. They imitate trusted organizations so that victims will feel comfortable sharing private information, including Social Security numbers, bank or credit card information. Another method is to take money from victims or deceive them into paying for things that do not exist. Scammers can also take advantage of Google Voice to commit acts of identity theft to steal your finances.
How does a scammer use Google Voice?
The first thing scammers usually do is create a fake Google Voice account. The scammer picks a phone number using a fake or stolen identity. As soon as the Google Voice account is created, the scammer finds ways to use it for fraudulent reasons.
The scammer sometimes uses different tricks to make their victim think they are talking to a real business. As a result, they may fake the Google Voice number so it appears to be from a reputable business or government agency. This method often makes it harder for the victim to notice the fraud.
Sometimes, the messages say the victim needs to call a particular number or go to a website for personal information. Doing this allows the scammer to collect the data they can use to commit identity theft or other fraud.
Use parental controls to protect your kids from potential scammers
What can a scammer do with Google Voice?
Some usual tactics they use include:
Spoofing:
Caller ID spoofing is one of the main scams related to Google Voice. Spoofing allows scammers to fake the caller ID, making it look like the call comes from a government organization or a big corporation. Doing this enables the scammer to get the victim to answer the call and believe the caller is telling the truth.
For instance, a scammer may make it look like the IRS is calling and demand that the victim pay a tax bill immediately. When the victim spots a familiar phone number, they may be more likely to pick up the phone, therefore, helping the scam to succeed.
Impersonation and identity theft:
Scammers can use Google Voice to secretly impersonate someone and steal their identity. They might use a forged or stolen Google Voice number to pretend they are someone or some organization the victim knows well. Scammers could call and act like a family member requiring money, or pose as a business or government agency trying to steal private information.
Financial scams:
Scammers often provide false investment opportunities, ask for money for loans or claim prize giveaways to trick victims. Scammers could ask the victim to send money before promising a loan, prize or a “guaranteed” investment.
It is possible for scammers to demand that you pay with gift cards or wire transfers. Because it is hard to follow these payments, recovering the money is difficult which makes the scam much riskier for victims.
How to recognize Google voice scams?
Here are a few things you should look out for:
1. Unsolicited contact: Be careful if you get a phone call or message from an unknown number. You should be extra cautious, especially when someone from a reputed organization calls you out of the blue.
2. Request for personal information: Scammers often want you to give out sensitive details like your Social Security number, bank account detail,s or passwords. If the caller asks you to give out these details over the phone or by text, be very careful.
3. Too good to be true offers: When you are given an offer that seems unreal, do not trust it. Scammers regularly guarantee prizes, special business opportunities, or investment returns to get people to fall for their scams.
4. Sense of urgency: Scammers try to hurry you by making it seem like something urgent needs to be done. As an example, they could tell you that you must hurry to collect a prize or fix an immediate problem. You will never be pressured by any real businesses this way.
Watching out for these warnings can help you stay safe from Google Voice scams.
Common types of Google Voice scams
The following types are very common:
Phishing scams
Faking to be real organizations, banks, or government agencies, scammers try to get sensitive information such as credit card numbers or bank details from their victims. They might ask for it to make sure you are who you say you are or to fix a supposed problem with your account. After gaining your data, they are able to assume your identity or make illegal withdrawals.
Impersonation scams
Scammers might call you on Google Voice and pretend to be a friend or family member in desperate need of money or help. They could say that they cannot get home because they are out of the country and need your help or that they are facing a serious health problem. What they want is either your money or personal information.
Fake job offers
Sometimes, scammers reach out to victims on Google Voice and offer fake jobs. They may want your social security number and ask you to pay money for things such as applications, background checks or training costs.
Prize or sweepstakes scams
Prize or sweepstakes scams begin with victims being reached by phone or text through Google Voice. Scammers say you have won a big prize or sweepstakes. They may state that you need to pay taxes, shipping fees or other charges to receive the prize.
How to report Google Voice scammer?
You can report a scammer using the following steps:
- Block the number: Block the Google Voice number right away so you do not hear from the scammer again. This can be done by using the app or visiting the website.
- Report to Google: Go to the Google Voice Help Center to report any abusive, harassing, or strange actions. Reports submitted using their website forms will be checked by Google to address the concern.
- Report to FTC: The Federal Trade Commission is the organization in charge of taking reports of fraud and scams in the U.S. You can go to www.ftc.gov/complaint to file a report with them.
- Notify financial institutions: Immediately get in touch with your bank or credit card issuer to secure your accounts if any monetary transaction or your personal information was involved.
- Contact local authorities: If you deal with serious fraud or identity theft, you should get in touch with the local law enforcement. They may offer more help to address the problem.
What can parents do to protect their kids from Google Voice scams?
Because children are at a higher risk of online scams, early safety measures are very important. Use these simple methods to help safeguard your children:
Parental controls: Parents can use Google Family Link to put parental controls in place on their child’s devices. With Family Link, you have the ability to check and limit app activity, including Google Voice. Besides, apps like FlashGet Kids can prevent your child from seeing harmful content and help you monitor what they do online.
Educate your child: Talk to your child about online safety and identifying the signs of scams. Explain to them that giving out personal details to strangers online is risky, and let them know how Google Voice may be used in scams. Teach them to always keep private information safe, and not to share it over calls or texts if they suspect anything odd or unusual.
Monitor activity: Regularly examine your child’s phone calls, texts and their internet activities. Look over their messages periodically to make sure they are not talking to strangers. FlashGet Kids’ “Live Monitoring” & “Daily Usage” features are especially helpful in this regard.
Limit information sharing: Explain to your child that they should not give out their phone number or personal information to people online. Tell them to avoid oversharing and keep their Google Voice number private as this protects them from scammers.
Conclusion
Google Voice helps people communicate with ease. However, it is not immune to online fraud. Scammers may use this service for nefarious purposes. If you recognize the ways these scams work and are careful enough, you can protect yourself and your family. Always watch out for unexpected calls or messages, and keep your personal information safe from people you do not know. Report any strange activity to Google or other proper authorities to help reduce these scams. Make sure to educate your children on online fraud and use parental controls to help keep them safe. Remain proactive and spread awareness.
FAQs
Google gives a virtual phone number called a Google Voice number. People can use it to call, send texts and receive voice messages on Google Voice.
Yes, Scammers can reach people using Google Voice and pretend to be coming from a business, a government agency or a friend. Then, they try to collect your personal data or take your money.
Scammers may call you on Google Voice if your number is public. Sometimes, Google Voice numbers are called by telemarketers or fraudsters using systems that call people randomly.
Google Voice does not make your actual phone number public. In its place, it gives you a virtual phone number for making and receiving calls and messages.
