# Never read a verification code to anyone > Verification codes are keys that prove it’s really you logging in or resetting a password. Anyone who asks you to read one to them is almost certainly trying to break into your account; real companies never ask. Watch for fake fraud teams, sellers who want to “verify you’re real,” and fake prizes. Hang up and call the number on your card or bill. If you already shared a code, change that account’s password right away and call the company. - URL: https://explained.page/never-share-verification-codes - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=never-share-verification-codes ## Step by step 1. **Got a text with a code?** Those codes are keys to your accounts. If someone asks you to read one to them, it’s almost always a scam. 2. **What the code does.** When someone tries to log in or reset your password, the company sends a code to your phone to make sure it’s really you. 3. **A caller asking for your code is trying to break in.** They’re logging into your account right now and need the code you just got. Real companies never ask you to read it. 4. **Know the common tricks.** Fake fraud teams, sellers who want to “verify you’re real,” fake prizes, and threats to close your account. 5. **Hang up and call the real number.** If you’re worried, call the number on your card, bill or the company’s official website. 6. **Already shared a code? Act now.** Change that account’s password right away, sign out other devices, and call the company. Check your bank and email for changes. 7. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. ## Checklist - Know codes are keys to your accounts - Never read or forward a code - Know real companies never ask for it - Hang up and call the real number - Shared one? Change your password now - Tell family about this scam ## What the codes are When someone signs in to an account or resets a password, the company may text or email a short code to make sure it’s really you. ## Why scammers want it If someone asks you to read a code to them, they’re usually logging into your account at that moment. With your code, they can get in, change your password and take money or information. ## Common tricks - “We’re your bank’s fraud team; read me the code to stop a charge.” - A seller online says, “I’m sending you a code to make sure you’re real.” - “You won a prize; confirm the code.” - “Your account will be closed unless you verify.” ## What to do Never read, forward or type a code for someone who contacted you. Hang up and call the number on your card, bill or the company’s official website. ## If you already shared one Change that account’s password right away, sign out of other devices, and contact the company. Check your email and bank for changes. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ## Common questions ### Is it ever OK to share a verification code? Only by typing it yourself into the official app or website you’re using. Never read it to a caller or send it to someone. Source page: https://explained.page/never-share-verification-codes/questions/is-it-ever-ok-to-share-a-verification-code ### Why did I get a code I didn’t ask for? Someone may be trying to get into your account. Don’t share it, and consider changing your password. Source page: https://explained.page/never-share-verification-codes/questions/why-did-i-get-a-code-i-didnt-ask-for ### Why would someone ask for my verification code? Because they’re trying to get into your account and the code is the last step. Never share it. Source page: https://explained.page/never-share-verification-codes/questions/why-would-someone-ask-for-my-verification-code ### Will my bank ever ask for a code over the phone? Some banks may verify you when you call them, but a caller who contacted you and asks you to read a code is a red flag. Hang up and call the number on your card. Source page: https://explained.page/never-share-verification-codes/questions/will-my-bank-ever-ask-for-a-code-over-the-phone ### What is the Google Voice code scam? A stranger, often from an online listing, asks you to read them a code to “prove you’re real.” They use it to set up a phone number in your name. Source page: https://explained.page/never-share-verification-codes/questions/what-is-the-google-voice-code-scam ### What should I do if I gave someone my code? Change the account’s password immediately, sign out of other devices, and contact the company. Check for changes to your email, bank and phone settings. Source page: https://explained.page/never-share-verification-codes/questions/what-should-i-do-if-i-gave-someone-my-code ### Why do I keep getting codes I didn’t ask for? Someone may know your password or email and be trying to log in. Change your password and turn on stronger two-step login. Source page: https://explained.page/never-share-verification-codes/questions/why-do-i-keep-getting-codes-i-didnt-ask-for ### Is two-step verification still worth using? Yes. It stops most account takeovers, as long as you never share the codes. Source page: https://explained.page/never-share-verification-codes/questions/is-two-step-verification-still-worth-using ## Official sources - [FTC consumer advice: verification code scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/) - [ReportFraud.ftc.gov](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) - [CISA: Secure Our World](https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world) To find your local office, search for: - "FTC verification code scam" - "how to turn on two-step verification" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.