SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/never-share-verification-code
Your bank's 'fraud department' calls and asks you to read back the code they just texted you. What is this?
Always a scam. Never share a verification code with anyone.
- A normal identity check by your bank
- A scam, never share that code ✔
- Fine, if the caller ID shows the bank
Why: Verification codes prove you're really you. If you share one, a scammer can use it to prove they're you. The FTC says no real caller, even a fraud department, will ever ask for it.
Huh, didn't know that: If you're worried about your account, call the number on your bank card or statement, not a number the caller gives you.
What's Forest Gump's Facebook password? 1forest1
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References
Answer: A scam, never share that code. Verification codes prove you're really you. If you share one, a scammer can use it to prove they're you. The FTC says no real caller, even a fraud department, will ever ask for it.
- Got a call about fraud activity on your bank account? It could be a scammer (FTC Consumer Alert) consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer
Never share a verification code. Ever. ... If you share that code, the scammer can use it to prove they're you.
Checked 2026-10-11.
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