Account Verification Scams
Messages that push you to 'verify' or 'reactivate' an account through a fake login page to steal your password.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You get an email or text warning of unusual activity and telling you to verify your account. The link leads to a fake login page that captures your password, and sometimes a one-time code, so the scammer can take over the real account.
What it usually looks like
- A security alert about a login you do not recognize.
- A link to 'verify' or 'reactivate' your account.
- A request for your password plus a one-time code.
Common warning signs
- The link's web address is not the company's real domain.
- It asks for your password and a one-time code together.
- It creates urgency about losing access.
Example wording scammers use
“Unusual sign-in detected. Verify your account within 24 hours or it will be locked: secure-login-verify.com”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your username and password.
- Your one-time verification code.
- Full control of your account.
What to do
- Do not click the link.
- Open the app or type the real website address yourself and check.
- Never share a one-time code with anyone.
What to do if you already responded
- Change the password for that account right away.
- Turn on two-step verification.
- Check for changes to your recovery email or phone number.