Quick Answers
There are a few main reasons someone might send you a verification code on Facebook:
- They are trying to access your account
- They mistakenly entered your number instead of theirs when prompted for a code
- It’s a scam to get personal information from you
They Are Trying to Access Your Account
One of the most common reasons for receiving a Facebook verification code from someone else is that they are trying to access your Facebook account. Here are some scenarios where this could happen:
They Know Your Password
If someone else knows your Facebook password, they may try to log in to your account. When they attempt to log in from a device Facebook doesn’t recognize, such as their own phone or computer, Facebook will detect this and prompt the person to enter a verification code sent to your phone number.
So in this case, the person knows your password but doesn’t have access to your phone number. When they try to log in, they want you to give them the verification code so they can access your account.
They’re Trying to Hack Your Account
Hackers may try to access Facebook accounts by using password guessing, phishing scams, or other methods. If they successfully enter your password, Facebook will then ask them for a verification code from your number. The hacker will try to get this code by contacting you and pretending to be someone else.
Their goal is to trick you into giving them the code so they can access your account. Always be suspicious of any odd verification code requests.
It’s Your Friend Playing a Prank
Less maliciously, a friend who knows your Facebook password may try to prank you by attempting to log into your account from their own device. This triggers the verification code to be sent to you. They then ask you for the code as if they needed if for their own account.
If you give them the code, they can access your account as a prank. So be wary even if it seems like it may just be a friend messing with you.
They Mistyped Their Own Number
Another innocent possibility is that someone simply mistyped their phone number when trying to log into their own Facebook account.
Typo Entered Your Number Instead
Many people have phone numbers that are similar with just one or two digits different. For example, your number might be 555-123-4567 while your friend’s is 555-123-4677.
When your friend enters their phone number to get a Facebook verification code, it’s possible they may mistype and enter your number instead. Facebook then sends the code to you rather than your friend.
If you tell them this, they will usually realize their mistake. But don’t give them the actual code, since they are not actually trying to access your account.
They Have an Old/Inactive Number
Similarly, people who have recently changed phone numbers may need to update their number on Facebook. If they forget to do this, Facebook will send verification codes to their old, inactive number when they try to log in.
If that old number now belongs to you, you may receive a verification code intended for the previous holder of the number. If you contact the sender, they will probably realize the issue is due to their outdated number.
It’s a Scam
Scammers are always looking for ways to try and steal personal information from people. Sending you a Facebook verification code you didn’t request is one way they may try and trick you.
Phishing for Personal Info
If a stranger sends you an unsolicited Facebook verification code, it could be a phishing scam. The scammer may claim they need the code for their own account, or that you need to confirm your identity by sending back the code.
However, once you send back a verification code, the scammer can use it to access your Facebook account. They can then see your personal information, message your friends, post content, and otherwise exploit access to your account. Never give out verification codes to strangers.
Fake Account in Your Name
A scammer may be trying to create a fake Facebook account pretending to be you. They need a verification code from your real phone number in order to setup the account.
Once they trick you into giving them the code, they can create the fake account and use it pretending to be you. This is a way scammers carry out identity theft and other fraud.
Trying to Install Malware
Finally, some hackers may send you an unsolicited Facebook code in order to trick you into clicking on a malicious link or downloading malware.
For example, they may claim you need to “verify your account” by clicking on a link they provide. But the link actually installs harmful software onto your device designed to spy on you or steal your data.
Be very cautious of anyone sending you a code out of the blue, even if they seem legitimate or claim an urgent reason for needing the code from you.
What to Do When You Get an Unsolicited Facebook Code
Here are some best practices to follow if you receive an unprompted verification code from Facebook:
- Do not give the code to anyone who asks for it
- Change your Facebook password immediately in case it was compromised
- Turn on login notifications and review recent logins to your account
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security
- Beware any links or requests sent alongside the code asking you to verify yourself
- Report the issue to Facebook so they can monitor for hacking attempts
How Facebook Sends Verification Codes
To understand why you may receive mysterious Facebook verification codes, it helps to know how Facebook uses codes in the first place:
Codes are Sent Via Text
When Facebook needs to verify your identity or confirm an action, they send a 6-digit numerical code to your phone number via text message. The code is random each time.
Used For Suspicious Logins
Codes are primarily used when Facebook detects a “suspicious login attempt” to your account. This occurs when someone tries accessing your account from an unrecognized device.
Also Used When Enabling Features
Facebook also sometimes requires a verification code when you enable certain security features like two-factor authentication. You have to enter the sent code to confirm the activation.
Only Valid Once
Verification codes are one-time use. Once a code is entered successfully, it is invalidated and cannot be used again. If someone needs to access your account again, Facebook will send a new code.
Provides Time-Sensitive Access
The codes also have a short expiration time, usually about 10 minutes. This prevents a code from being endlessly reused and provides time-sensitive temporary access.
| Scenario | Reason for Code |
|---|---|
| Login from new device | Confirm valid user logging in |
| Enabling new security feature | Confirm user approving feature change |
| Suspicious behavior detected | Verify real user performing actions |
This summarizes some of the main circumstances when Facebook sends codes to users. The goal is always to confirm the legitimate account holder is taking specific actions from unfamiliar or suspicious locations.
When to Be Concerned About Facebook Codes
As we’ve covered, there are many harmless reasons you may get an unexpected Facebook verification code. But other times, it can signal an attempt at hacking or scamming you.
Here are some specific situations that should raise concerns:
- The sender is someone you don’t know
- The explanation for needing the code seems suspicious, odd, or overly complicated
- The message comes from an account that looks fake, unofficial, or parody
- You recently changed your password due to hacking concerns
- The message asks you to click links or download files
Use your best judgment based on the context, but when in doubt, err on the side of caution and do not provide the codes to anyone.
How to Stay Secure on Facebook
Here are some tips to increase your security and prevent your Facebook account from being hacked:
- Use a strong, unique password that would be difficult to guess
- Turn on login approvals requiring a code to access your account
- Set up two-factor authentication for enhanced security
- Be cautious of unsolicited messages requesting personal information
- Never provide verification codes to anyone unless you fully trust the situation
- Monitor your security settings and login history for suspicious activity
- Report phishing attempts, spam messages, or other abuse to Facebook
Staying secure online does require some vigilance. But following these best practices can help protect your Facebook account from the majority of hacking, phishing, and identity theft attempts.
Conclusion
Receiving a Facebook verification code you didn’t request can seem odd or concerning. But in many cases, there is an innocent explanation like a mistyped number or prank by a friend.
However, more malicious reasons like hacking attempts and identity theft scams are possibilities you should be cautious about. Never provide the code to anyone you don’t fully trust. And take proactive steps to lock down your Facebook account security.
With awareness of the potential issues, you can better spot true hacking risks vs simple mix-ups. Stay alert, use strong security settings, and avoid panic over situations that turn out to be harmless mistakes.