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Filed under: Account takeover

Someone asked me to send them a verification code, is it a scam?

Yes. Nobody legitimate needs the one-time code that was texted to YOU. "Just forward me the code you got" is how accounts get hijacked, the code is the key to your account, and sharing it hands it over.

Part of our guide: How to secure and recover a hacked account →

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The exhibit
EXHIBIT · SOMEONE IS ASKING FOR A CODE THAT WAS SENT TO YOU
Received via: SMS EN
Hi, I accidentally sent my verification to your number. Can you please forward me the code you just received? I need it to confirm my account.

Illustrative example of the pattern, not a real message someone received.

How to verify it yourself

  • Never share a verification/OTP code with anyone, not friends, not "support", no one.
  • Real services print "never share this code" right next to it for a reason.
  • If a friend asks, their account may be hacked, verify with them another way.
  • Turn on an authenticator app instead of SMS codes where you can.

More scams like this

Source: FTC, How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams