Hopper Verification Code Scam or Legit? Unveiling The Truth

Have you received an unsolicited text message containing a Hopper verification code even though you don’t have an account with them? You’re probably wondering if it’s a scam and what it means.

In this extensive guide, we’ll review actual complaints and analyze if the Hopper verification code texts are a scam. We’ll also cover what actions you should take if you receive such a message, how it could happen innocently, and tips to stay safe from smishing attacks.

Let’s start by understanding what Hopper is and why you may receive messages from them.

What is Hopper and Why Would I Get Messages From Them?

Hopper is a legitimate online travel booking service that allows users to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. It operates in North America and Europe.

You may receive a Hopper verification code text even if you don’t have an account with them for a few reasons:

1. Someone signed up using your number by mistake: They may have accidentally entered your phone number instead of theirs when creating a Hopper account. Hopper then sends a verification code to confirm the number which comes to you.

2. Someone is trying to access your account: If you already have a Hopper account, someone may have obtained your login credentials and be trying to access your account. Hopper requires verification before allowing login from a new device.

3. It’s a phishing attempt: Scammers send messages with verification codes hoping recipients will reveal them. They then use the codes to compromise accounts or identities.

Next, let’s analyze some actual complaints about getting Hopper verification messages to determine if it’s a scam.

Reviews and Complaints on Hopper Verification Code Messages

Here are examples of real complaints and discussions from people receiving Hopper verification text messages unexpectedly:

This Reddit user got Hopper verification codes out of the blue:

“Have you gotten a random text message from 8553662242 that contains Hopper verification code, even though you’re not registered at Hopper.com booking service? Find out what it could be and whether you’re in trouble or not!”

Someone on Quora suspects their number was previously used by another person to sign up:

“One possible case may be your mob number was allocated to someone else earlier and person created account by using mob no. After that person did not use it regularly so sim deactivated with person name and number assigned with your name.”

Another user feels it’s likely a phishing attempt to steal account credentials:

“If you receive a verification code for an app that you have never used, it’s best to be cautious. Don’t share the code with anyone, and don’t click on any links in the message. If you suspect that someone is trying to access your account, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication if it’s available.”

Based on these complaints, there are a few possibilities why people receive Hopper verification texts:

• Mistyped number: Legitimate users entering the wrong number by accident
• Previously registered number: Your number was previously tied to another user’s account
• Phishing attempt: Scammers trying to steal account credentials

In most cases, getting an unexpected Hopper verification code does not indicate your account or identity was compromised. It’s usually just a mistake or very unlikely to succeed phishing attempt.

However, scams do happen so it’s smart to take precautions which we’ll cover next.

What To Do When You Get an Unexpected Verification Code

Here are important steps to take if you receive an unsolicited verification message from Hopper or any other service:

1. Don’t click any links or share the code

Never click links or input verification codes from unexpected messages. Doing so gives scammers access if it is a phishing attempt.

2. Check if you have an account with the service

Log into your Hopper account if you have one to view recent activity and ensure nothing suspicious occurred.

If you don’t have an account, it’s likely just a mistake or very unlikely to succeed scam attempt. Still take reasonable precautions below however.

3. Change passwords on other accounts

Just in case, change passwords on your important accounts like email, banking, social media, etc.

Use unique complex passwords for each account. Consider a password manager. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

4. Contact the company’s support

Reach out to Hopper support to notify them of the suspicious text. They may investigate where it came from or further assist.

5. Watch for signs of identity theft

While very unlikely from just receiving texts, do monitor your accounts the next months for any suspicious charges or activity indicating identity theft.

6. Report phone scams

You can report scam texts to organizations like the FTC and FCC to help investigations.

As long as you don’t click links or share codes, an unexpected verification text is very unlikely to compromise your security. Just taking basic precautions above gives peace of mind.

Next we’ll cover how users could accidentally send texts to the wrong numbers.

How Innocent Mistakes Can Lead to Missent Verification Codes

While malicious phishing explains some users getting Hopper verification texts out of nowhere, many cases are just innocent errors according to security experts.

When signing up for Hopper or services like Gmail or PayPal, users have to provide a phone number for verification. Sometimes they accidentally enter an incorrect number – yours instead of their own.

So when Hopper sends the verification code, it goes to you unintentionally instead of the intended user.

Here are common ways wrong phone numbers get entered innocently:

• Typos – The user makes a minor typo mixing up a digit when entering a number manually.
• Copy-paste errors – They copy-paste a number from somewhere else but it gets slightly changed.
• Auto-fill mistakes – Browsers auto-fill an old number that’s outdated or wrong.
• Multiple devices – Different devices sync the wrong contact info.
• Account mix-ups – Logging into a rarely used secondary account tied to a old number.

Mistakes in initial account creation can lead to verification texts being sent to random numbers years later.

For example, if a user created their Hopper account in 2019 with a typo in their phone number, Hopper will still send any verification codes in 2024 to that wrong legacy number.

So don’t panic getting an unexpected verification text! While scams happen, most cases are just innocent user errors according to experts.

Now let’s go over some tips to reduce chances you’ll be affected even by innocent verification code mix-ups.

How to Avoid Getting Missent Verification Text Messages

Here are some tips to help avoid unexpectedly receiving other users’ verification codes:

Carefully enter your phone number when creating accounts. Triple check digits typed manually instead of pasting them.

Update contact info if your number changes. Don’t let old numbers stay on inactive accounts.

Use account cleanup tools that scan for outdated info tied to your emails or numbers and notify companies to update their records.

Don’t publish your number publicly. Be cautious posting a phone number on social media, resumes, and public directories where it can be accidentally reused.

Use secondary numbers for less important services instead of your primary number to limit messages received.

Report the issue to the company if you receive others’ verification texts so they can investigate where it’s coming from and improve processes.

You likely can’t fully prevent ever getting wrongly sent authentication messages but taking above precautions can help.

Now let’s move on to cover other types of popular text message scams beyond verification codes.

Beware Smishing: Scam Text Messages Seeking Information

While most Hopper verification texts are innocent mistakes or unsuccessful phishing attempts, text scams called “smishing” (SMS phishing) do commonly target consumers.

They may try other hooks beyond verification codes to trick people. For example:

• Messages claiming you won a contest prize
• Fake alerts your credit card was compromised
• Notifications a package is waiting for pickup
• Requests to confirm login attempts detected

If you click links in these scam texts, it can install malware giving up control of your device, steal passwords you enter, or gain access to your online accounts.

Signs a text could be a smishing scam include:

• Generic greetings – Impersonal greetings like “Hello” or your email instead of name.
• Sense of urgency – Claims you must take immediate action like confirming info.