Google Voice verification code scam: the 6-digit SMS hijack
Take a breath. This happens to a lot of people, it isn't your fault, and there are concrete steps that help.
Take a breath: this happens to a lot of people, it isn't your fault, and there are steps that help.
“I have been scammed before by fake bots. I just sent a 6-digit code to your phone. Text it back to me so I know you are a real person...”
What to do now
Never share any verification code
No authentic dating app, company, or human needs a 6-digit code sent to your phone to verify you.
Reclaim your number in Google Voice
Visit voice.google.com, sign in with your real Google account, click "Link a phone number", enter your mobile number, and enter the new code to break the scammer’s link.
Run a reverse phone check on the scammer
Use Sealed Rose’s phone lookup tool to identify whether the number contacting you is a VoIP burner (TextNow, Bandwidth, Google Voice).
Emergency reporting and removal resources
Free, confidential crisis counselor, 24/7
Blocks sharing on participating platforms. Images stay on your device.
Free NCMEC service to remove images of minors.
Official federal cybercrime complaint center.
Write a DMCA notice for web hosts that won't remove the content.
Frequently asked questions
Can the scammer access my private text messages or photos?
No. They cannot read your personal SMS messages or see your photos; they only used your mobile number to authorize a virtual Google Voice line.
What if I already gave them the 6-digit code?
Go immediately to voice.google.com, click Settings -> New linked number, and re-link your phone number to your own Google account. This automatically disconnects their access.