I received a call from +1 202-455-8888 even though I did not attempt to log in to my Gmail Account. Is it Legitimate?
I have enabled multi-factor authentication for my Gmail account login. When I need to log in to my mail, I should enter an OTP which is sent to my phone number to verify. However, I got a call from this number, even though I did not sign in to my mail, and it said "Your verification code is ******". Does it mean that my account is at risk? I have checked my mailbox, and there is no attempt to log in. On checking on the Google support forum i found this: I found this:
“Yes, this number is definitely Google's number used for various verification purposes. Just be aware of this: If you initiate the verification process, then it is perfectly safe. If, on the other hand, somebody else sends you a code from this # (it is possible) and then asks you to give them the code verbally or by text, they are trying to scam you! So to be safe, do not ever give the code to anybody, no matter how convincing their story is!”
There are two possibilities:
- Someone has your password and is failing in 2FA when trying to Sign in. It is highly advised to change your password!
- Someone is trying to register a new account or 2FA to an existing one, but has (possibly accidentally) added your phone number instead of their own. It's possible that there's just a minor difference in your numbers and it's simply a typo, e.g. the Ghostbusters are trying to register +1-311-555-3268 instead of +1-311-555-2368.
It's safer this way when there's just an automated that gives you information, but if someone calls from number +1 202-455-8888 and tells that they are from Google, it's probably still a scam, because the Caller ID spoofing is relatively easy. You shouldn't tell them anything. If they were Google, they would already know it anyway.
Is 2024558888 a legitimate number from Google?
Yes, this number is definitely Google's number used for various verification purposes. Just be aware of this: If you initiate the verification process, then it is perfectly safe. If, on the other hand, somebody else sends you a code from this # (it is possible) and then asks you to give them the code verbally or by text, they are trying to scam you! So to be safe, do not ever give the code to anybody, no matter how convincing their story is!
Answer (1)
Receiving a call from a specific phone number, such as +1 202-455-8888, doesn't necessarily indicate whether it's legitimate or not. It's not uncommon for scammers to use spoofed phone numbers to make it appear as though they're calling from a trusted source.
If you're uncertain about the legitimacy of the call, here are some steps you can take:
Verify the Caller: Look up the phone number online to see if it's associated with any known scams or legitimate organizations. You can also contact the organization the caller claims to be from using their official contact information to verify if they tried to reach you.
Do Not Share Personal Information: Regardless of who the caller claims to be, never provide personal information or credentials over the phone unless you are certain of the caller's identity.
Check Your Accounts: Even if you didn't attempt to log in to your Gmail account, it's a good practice to regularly check your account activity and enable security features like two-factor authentication to protect your account from unauthorized access.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect that the call is part of a scam, you can report it to relevant authorities or organizations such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States.
Always prioritize caution and skepticism when dealing with unexpected calls or requests for personal information.