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Codes and sign‑in requests

A message or a call that asks you for a code, or to approve a sign-in you didn't start. A code can let someone into your account, even on the real website.

A text from +1 555 0112
+1 555 0112

Text Message

Hi, I sent my verification code to your number by mistake. Can you send it back to me?

What it looks like

A text from +1 555 0112
+1 555 0112

Text Message

Hi, I sent my verification code to your number by mistake. Can you send it back to me?

A call

The caller says

“This is your bank's fraud team. To stop the payment, read me the code we just sent you.”

A sign-in request on your phone you didn't start (“Are you trying to sign in?”), and then an email

Are you trying to sign in?

DenyApprove

… and then

From to me

IT support: please approve the request so we can fix your mailbox.

Examples. The names and amounts change; the shape doesn't.

How to spot one

  1. Someone asks for a code that was sent to you. A code is a key: with it, they get in or approve a payment.

  2. A sign-in request you didn't start, maybe many in a row, until you tap Approve to make them stop.

  3. “Read me the code to cancel it.” A code can't cancel a payment or prove who you are to a caller.

  4. The code's own text says not to share it. Read the text the code came in.

  5. A file or some text “so we can check your account”. A file saved from your browser, or text to paste into its address bar, can hand over your account without your password.

What to do

  1. Never type a code or approve a sign-in you didn't ask for. Use one only when you started the sign-in yourself, not because a message asked.

  2. Deny requests you didn't start. If they keep coming, change that account's password, from its own app or website.

  3. If a caller asks for a code, hang up, whoever they say they are.

  4. Still not sure? Check the message. We open its link on a phone and a computer, not yours, and tell you what it is.

Already gave a code or approved it?

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