FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office warned residents of a Google Voice scam on Wednesday that targets people selling items online.
According to a press release, the scammers prey on sellers through Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. After an item is listed by a seller, the scammer will reach out and ask if the item is still available before pretending to to verify that the seller isn’t a scammer themselves by requesting their phone number, deputies said.
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Officials said that once the seller’s phone number is acquired, the scammer will send a Google Voice verification link in a text message, attached to instructions that the recipient doesn’t share it with anyone else. The scammer will then ask the seller for the verification code in order to create a Google Voice number in the seller’s name to use for more identity theft, deputies said.
“With the recent incidents of scammers finding new ways to steal money from residents, we want to ensure Flagler County residents are aware of these scams and how to protect themselves,” Sheriff Rick Staly said.
Learn how to avoid scams like these and how to report scammers with tips from the Identity Theft Resource Center and the Federal Trade Commission.