Published: September 06, 2024 on our newsletter Security Fraud News & Alerts Newsletter.
We’ve all gotten them. A text with a random code we are supposed to enter somewhere to log in to something. And it’s likely you’ve received one or two that just showed up and you don’t know why. Firstly, and importantly, don't ignore them! When you receive an unsolicited verification code, it's like a huge warning sign screaming, "Someone's trying to get into your account!" But don’t panic. We’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide to help you navigate those random texts with verification codes.
If you do receive a code and you’re not actively trying to log into an account, it's time to take action. First, independently log into your account to change your password. Don’t click any link you may have received. Go to a bookmark you set or type the website into a browser, ensuring you don’t typo the name. When you change your password, make it strong and unique to keep those sneaky hackers out.
Now, if the alerts are coming from your financial institution, pay extra attention. We all know your Netflix account isn't as crucial as your bank account. But it’s not useless. If someone gets hold of your Netflix code, they could access your payment info. However, when it comes to your financial institution, log in independently to the website and make sure your money is where you expect it to be…in your account. Then, change your password. If anything is worrisome in your account, it's time to grab your phone and call them using a trusted number from their official website. Let them know what happened and they can help you.
Okay, not every text you receive requires this level of panic. But if the text is related to an account that keeps track of logins or devices, like streaming services showing connected devices, it's worth checking if anything phishy is going on. Go into your account and see what other devices are listed. Remove any that you don’t recognize. It’s worth changing your password as well. Remember that in some cases, you might need to log all of them out to disconnect the suspect links. That will require logging in again to all of them with your new password.
Be mindful that real cybercriminals aren't the only culprits. Sometimes, you might receive a recovery code you didn't expect because someone used your email to create an account. These people have no shame, but calling them criminals might be a stretch! So, if you keep getting verification codes for accounts you never signed up for, hop onto the site, change the password, or shut down the account altogether. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with endless notifications, and nobody wants that hassle.
Remember, taking precautions is crucial. If you receive an unexpected verification code, your account could be at risk. Change that password. But hey, there's another scenario to consider: it might be a smishing or text messaging scam, where scammers try to scare you into clicking malicious links. Don't take the bait! Instead, contact the official organization directly to confirm the legitimacy of the messages. It may require an extra step, but trust me, it's worth it. Falling for scams could cost you a ton of money.
So, stay cautious, be proactive, and keep an eye out for those unexpected verification codes. Don't let the bad guys get the upper hand, and take control of your online security!
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