Rental scams
Why is someone asking me to send them a verification code from my phone?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Don't send it. This is a common scam: someone uses your phone number to set up a Google Voice or similar account, then asks you to read back the code that was texted to you, claiming it proves you're real. The code lets them tie an account to your number, which they then use to scam other people.
The request often comes right after you post a listing or reply to one, usually in a friendly tone: "Just making sure you're not a bot, I sent you a code, can you tell me what it says?" No real landlord or renter needs a code sent to your phone. A code is only for you to type into a service you started signing up for yourself.
The same trick is used to take over Facebook, WhatsApp and email accounts. With your account, a scammer can message your friends and post fake listings under your name.
If you already shared a code:
- Sign in to Google Voice with your own Google account and try adding your number. If another account has linked it, you'll get an option to reclaim it.
- Change your passwords and turn on two-factor authentication, ideally with an authenticator app.
- Warn your friends not to trust messages from you asking for money or codes.
- Report the profile to the group's moderators.
Want the whole picture? Read How To Avoid Housing Scams.