Verification fraud
Definition
Abuse of phone or SMS verification systems, such as fake account creation or artificially inflated SMS traffic, that platforms work to stop.
Verification fraud, explained
Verification fraud is a broad term for abuse that targets the phone verification step itself. One form is mass creation of fake accounts for spam, scams or manipulation, which is a main reason platforms ask for a phone number at all. Another is artificially inflated traffic, sometimes called SMS pumping or toll fraud, where bad actors trigger large numbers of verification texts to expensive destinations to profit from the messaging fees, leaving the platform with the bill. Platforms fight these risks with rate limits, line type and number reputation checks, country restrictions, device and behavior signals, and blocks on numbers that have been seen too often. These defenses are why ordinary users sometimes face extra checks, delayed codes or rejected numbers. Noir SMS is intended only for verifying your own legitimate accounts, within each platform's terms. Bulk or automated account creation, impersonation, ban evasion and any other fraudulent use are prohibited, and accounts that break these rules are closed.
Related terms
Rate limit
A cap on how many codes or attempts a service allows in a period, after which you must wait.
Line type lookup
A check that tells an app whether a number is mobile, landline or VoIP, and often which carrier owns it.
Account takeover
When someone other than the owner gains control of an online account, usually by stealing a password or login code.