Receiving verification codes for accounts you don't own
Do not share, enter or forward unsolicited verification codes. Check whether they name an account you actually own, review your own sign-in activity, and report suspicious requests through the service's official support.
What to do next
- Do not share, enter or forward unsolicited verification codes.
- Check whether they name an account you actually own, review your own sign-in activity, and report suspicious requests through the service's official support.
- Repeated messages for a stranger may reflect a recycled number or a typo rather than proof someone accessed your account.
Recommended service or product
Australian Cyber Security Centre
Australian Cyber Security Centre is a relevant starting point for this task because it offers the official service, tool or product category used in the steps above.
Open Australian Cyber Security Centre — official websiteWhat to check before deciding
Check whether they name an account you actually own, review your own sign-in activity, and report suspicious requests through the service's official support. Repeated messages for a stranger may reflect a recycled number or a typo rather than proof someone accessed your account. Receiving a code does not prove a breach. If the message names a service you use, check activity by opening that service directly rather than following any link in the message.
Frequently asked questions
Which checks matter most for receiving verification codes for accounts you don't own?
Do not share, enter or forward unsolicited verification codes.
What should I do next if the issue with receiving verification codes for accounts you don't own remains?
Check whether they name an account you actually own, review your own sign-in activity, and report suspicious requests through the service's official support.
What is a sensible follow-up for receiving verification codes for accounts you don't own?
Repeated messages for a stranger may reflect a recycled number or a typo rather than proof someone accessed your account.
What practical considerations apply to receiving verification codes for accounts you don't own?
Unexpected codes alone are not proof of an account breach; review your account and never forward the code.