How ironic can life be at times? Google originally had the tagline of “Don’t be evil” as a code of conduct, yet scammers try to make use of the accounts of other email users to access information and possibly sensitive data.
Google verification codes are generally generated by the Google authenticator, to complete the Gmail’s two-step verification. The primary reason behind it is to ensure that the one logging in is the actual owner of the account.
But what if Google is sending you a verification code when you have not requested one? This comes as something different for the users.
Although Google never sends verification codes on its own, receiving one may confuse the user at times. Most of the users are familiar with the error that goes like “cannot receive Google Verification code“, 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 all about it.
Following are some of the cases that may explain why you are getting the code without even requesting for one in the first place.
If in some way, an individual may have success in signing in to your account. In case that happens, chances are that they may try to change the login details for your account. This includes your verification email, password, phone number, and security questions. A security code will be sent to you on your email address to ensure that no new changes take place without the permission of the owner of the account.
It is common that Google will send you a verification code whenever you try to log in from an old device. The reason behind that can be the fact that you have deleted cookies from your web browser on that device.
There are also chances that the user may receive the verification code via email in case they have updated their web browser, the application, or when they have been using the incognito mode earlier.
It is pretty possible that a scammer may obtain your mobile number from the public domain or via an online portal of sorts. After this, scammers may remove the forwarding number for their accounts.
The primary objective of scammers is to forward the calls to your personal or private number. But if they get their hands on your personal mobile number, chances are that they will make use of it to create a Google account to have a new Google Voice number.
Furthermore, this will be used to scam others. There is only one thing that can save you from getting scammed, and that is the verification code by Google that is sent to your phone.
As soon as a user signs in to Gmail, the email service will ensure that it is the actual owner who is trying to access the account. For the same, the service will tell the user to complete several sign-in steps. This only happens in the following cases;
Another extra step includes the security code from Google that will be sent to you by text.
Changing the password is pretty common and important for users if they want to safeguard their accounts. A verification code via SMS or email by Google will be sent to you, even if they do have requested the same.
Apart from that, a sign-in alert also pops up on your email telling you about the immediate change, in case you want to take any action for the same.
Plenty of users make good use of browser extensions and third-party applications to enhance the overall user experience. At times, some of these extensions may require the user to log in to their Gmail account to access the services that they have to offer.
Users can try to turn off all sorts of web browser extensions and applications that you are using to get rid of this issue.
In case you have been receiving a Google verification code without requesting it from an unknown number, there might be a couple of scenarios in play;
It is strictly prohibited for anyone to reply to a message where an unknown user asks for a verification code. On the contrary, you need to sign in to your Gmail account and change the password for it.
To tackle this, a code will be sent to you by Google immediately on your email account in the format of G-******.
If by chance, the user gives away the verification code, things can take a turn for the worse.
With time, users lose control of everything related to their accounts. This also includes all of the data, be it personal or professional.
It is also quite possible that the scammer will try to extort money from you in return for your account. To make things worse, the scammer may even use your account to scam others by asking for money, stating that you are in a state of emergency.
Here are some safety measures that can be used to stray clear of such Google verification code scams with ease;
Apart from all these, you can also try to turn on the 2-step verification process for Google. Following are the steps on how to do the same;
After you have done this, simply follow the instructions that pop up on your screen.
Keep in mind that even though 2-step verification offers an added layer of security, codes that are sent by mobile number or text still remain vulnerable to mobile-based hacking issues.
This is also one of the foremost reasons why users receive a Google verification code without even requesting one.
Google services are widely regarded as one of the best in terms of security, but that doesn’t mean that it is flawless. If you receive a Google verification code, chances are that someone is trying to access your account.
A user may also receive this message in case they are signing in from a new or old device. The above-mentioned scenarios and tips can help users to fix this issue with the Google verification code.
For any further information on what is a Google verification code or queries of any kind, you can also direct yourself to the help and support center of Google.
Until we meet again! Stay Googling.
