Google is changing the way you confirm if contacts are legit. The company has begun rolling out a QR code to verify that the ...

Next, the scammer actually initiates a Google Voice setup process using your phone number. They request a verification code from Google, which is then sent to your phone number via text or call.

A report states that a recent Google Messages beta has brought about the company's QR code-based verification keys on Android ...

Besides potentially breaking into existing accounts, scammers who hijack your number could get access to Google’s two-factor authentication codes linked to the victim’s phone number.

That code creates a Google voice phone number linked to the victim’s real number. That person can then go on to scam others, going undetected while hiding behind the victim’s information.

SMS codes have long been less secure than other forms of authentication. With QR codes, Google aims to reduce users' dependency on carriers for account verification.

For the former, apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator display a code number that changes every 30 seconds, which you must enter or verify to sign in.

Google shares details on its plan to ditch SMS codes, and here's how it'll work You'll still need a mobile device for authentication, and in some cases, you'll be sending the SMS to a Google number.