Receiving an unexpected Link verification code text can be worrying, especially when you do not remember using Link, creating an account or completing an online purchase. Is the message legitimate, or is someone trying to access your information?
In many cases, the text is genuine. Link, Stripe’s digital wallet, sends email or SMS codes to verify users on a new website, browser or device. You may also receive one because Link remembers an older device, someone entered your phone number by mistake or another person attempted to start a login.
However, receiving a Link verification code text does not automatically mean that a payment was made, your account was accessed or your phone was hacked. The real danger begins when someone asks you to share the code, open an unfamiliar link or call an unverified support number.
Never give the code to another person. Enter it only on a trusted Link, Stripe or merchant page that you opened yourself during a checkout or login you initiated.
Quick Answer
A Link verification code text is normally a one-time security message associated with Link by Stripe. It may be sent when you use Link during checkout, sign in from a different device, return after your session expires or access Link through a new website or browser.
An unexpected message is not automatically a scam. Link’s support guidance says you may be remembered on another device where you previously used Link. Stripe also says a message may be sent when another person enters their phone number incorrectly.
Treat the message as suspicious when someone asks you to send them the code, follow an unfamiliar link, provide payment information or call an unverified support number.
Does a Link Verification Code Mean a Payment Was Made?
No. Receiving a Link verification code text does not automatically mean that a purchase was approved or money was charged. It only shows that a verification request was triggered.
A code may be sent during:
- Identity verification
- Login from a new browser or device
- Checkout with saved payment details
- A remembered Link session
- Account recovery
- Changes to account information
- A Stripe business-account security check
The code confirms access to an email address or phone number, but it does not prove that a transaction was completed.
To check whether a payment was made:
- Open Link independently instead of using the message link.
- Review the Activity section for recent purchases.
- Check your bank and card statements.
- Contact the merchant about an unfamiliar order.
- Notify your bank immediately if you find an unauthorized charge.
An unexpected Link verification code text should be investigated, but there is no need to assume money was taken until you confirm the account activity.
Key Takeaways
- Link is a digital wallet developed by Stripe for saving and reusing payment information.
- Link sends one-time codes when verifying users on new websites, browsers or devices.
- An unexpected code may result from a typing mistake and does not automatically mean your account was hacked.
- Never give the verification code to a caller, seller, buyer, supposed support representative or anyone else.
- Do not use contact details contained in a suspicious message.
- Open Link or Stripe through an independently verified website if you need to check your account.
- Report messages that contain suspicious links, payment demands or requests for personal information.
What Is a Link Verification Code Text?
A Link verification code text is an SMS containing a temporary security code used to confirm that a person controls a particular phone number.
When you use Link during checkout, the service may recognize your email address or phone number and ask you to enter a one-time code. This allows Link to retrieve payment and address information that you previously chose to save.
Link’s official documentation explains that it can send a one-time code by text or email when Link is used on a new site or a new device. Link also uses verification codes when a session has expired, cookies have been cleared or the user is accessing the account from a different browser.
A typical message may resemble:
Your Link verification code is XXXXXX
The actual wording, sender ID, and delivery number may vary by country, mobile network and messaging provider. Therefore, the sender name or short code alone should not be treated as proof that a message is genuine.
What Is Link by Stripe?
If you received a Link verification code text, you may be wondering what Link actually is.
Link is Stripe’s digital wallet and accelerated checkout service. It allows customers to securely save payment methods, contact details and shipping information, making future purchases faster on websites that support Link.
Many people use Link without realizing it because it appears as a checkout option on participating online stores rather than as a standalone app or website. For example, you may choose to save your payment information during checkout and automatically use Link on future purchases from supported merchants.
According to Stripe, Link securely stores and reuses your preferred payment information across participating businesses to simplify the checkout experience.
Depending on how you use the service, Link may store information such as:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Billing and shipping addresses
- Saved payment methods
- Transaction details
- Browser, device and online activity information
Stripe states that Link encrypts customer data both in transit and at rest. It also uses device and transaction information to verify identities, detect fraud and help keep customer accounts secure.
Link Verification Code vs Stripe Account Verification Code
Although Link is operated by Stripe, not every Stripe-related verification message has the same purpose.
A consumer may receive a code while using Link to retrieve saved payment and shipping details. A business owner or employee may receive a separate Stripe code while signing in to the Stripe Dashboard with SMS-based two-step authentication.
| Message situation | Likely purpose | What you should do |
| You were checking out with Link | Verify access to saved consumer payment details | Enter the code only on the checkout page you personally opened |
| You were signing in to a Stripe business account | Complete Stripe two-step authentication | Enter it only on the official Stripe sign-in page |
| You were using a different browser or device | Confirm that you control the registered phone number | Verify the website before entering the code |
| You initiated neither activity | Mistyped number, remembered device or attempted login | Do not share the code; review your account activity |
| Someone asks you to forward the code | Possible social-engineering scam | End the conversation and secure your accounts |
A genuine code should be used only during an action you initiated. Stripe, Link, a merchant, a bank representative or a marketplace user should not need you to read a private verification code over the telephone or send it through a message.
Why Did I Receive a Link Verification Code Text?
Receiving a link verification code text when you were not expecting one can be confusing. In many cases, there is a legitimate explanation. However, it can also be an early warning of a phishing attempt or unauthorized login.
Below are the most common reasons why you may receive a link verification code text.
1. You Used Link During an Online Checkout
The most common reason is that you recently used Link while shopping online.
You may receive the verification code if you:
- Purchased something from a participating website
- Selected Link during checkout
- Entered your email address or phone number
- Signed in from a new browser or device
- Returned after your previous session expired
- Cleared your browser cookies
If you requested the code yourself, enter it only on the checkout page that you personally opened.
2. You Previously Saved Your Payment Information
You may have saved your payment information during a previous purchase without paying much attention to the Link brand.
When you return to a supported merchant, Link may recognize your email address or phone number and ask you to verify your identity before showing your saved payment details.
Receiving a Link verification code text does not necessarily mean that you recently created a separate Stripe account. Link works as a fast checkout option across participating online stores.
3. Link Remembers You on Another Device
According to Link’s support guidance, a verification message may be triggered because your account is still recognized on another device you previously used.
Examples include:
- An old phone, tablet or laptop
- A shared family computer
- A work device
- A browser profile you no longer use
- A device previously used for a Link checkout
Receiving the code does not automatically mean someone accessed your account. However, you should review your Login Activity and sign out of any devices you no longer recognize.
It is also possible that another person accidentally entered your phone number. Even if someone contacts you claiming it was a mistake, never share your verification code.
4. Someone Is Trying to Sign In Using Your Number
An unexpected Link verification code text can also mean that someone entered your phone number while attempting to sign in to Link.
This does not automatically mean they know your password or accessed your payment information. Because Link supports verification codes and passkeys, simply entering a registered email address or phone number can trigger a verification request.
If you receive repeated codes, review your Link account, email account and financial statements for unfamiliar activity.
5. A Scammer Is Preparing a Verification-Code Scam
Some scammers deliberately trigger a genuine verification code before contacting the victim.
They may pretend to be:
- Link or Stripe Support
- Your bank
- An online buyer or seller
- A delivery company
- A fraud investigator
- A marketplace representative
- A friend or family member
- A government agency
They often claim the code is needed to:
- Cancel a payment
- Verify your identity
- Reverse fraud
- Confirm your account
- Complete a refund
In reality, sharing the code may allow the scammer to sign in, reset an account password or complete another sensitive account action.
Never share a Link verification code text with anyone. Legitimate companies will not ask you to read or forward your private verification code.
6. The Entire Message Is Fake
Not every verification message is genuine. Some criminals send fake texts that imitate Link or Stripe in an attempt to steal personal information.
A fraudulent message may contain:
- A fake login link
- A fake account-verification page
- A fraudulent customer-support phone number
- A request to reply with personal information
- A warning about an unauthorized purchase
- A threat that your account will be suspended
- A request to update payment details
This type of SMS phishing is known as smishing. If a Link verification code text includes suspicious links, urgent language or unexpected payment requests, do not click anything. Instead, visit Link or Stripe directly through their official website to verify your account.
Is a Link Verification Code Text a Scam?
Not every Link verification message is a scam.
A genuine Link code may be sent because you are signing in, making a payment or using a new device. A genuine code may also be sent to the wrong person because of an incorrectly entered phone number.
Use the context of the message rather than relying only on its appearance.
| Likely legitimate situation | Potential scam warning |
| You requested the code during checkout | You did not initiate any checkout or login |
| You are already on a trusted merchant’s website | The text tells you to open an unfamiliar link |
| The code is entered only on the page you opened | Someone asks you to read or forward the code |
| The message contains no payment demand | The sender demands money or card information |
| You independently accessed the business | The text tells you to call an unknown number |
| There is no pressure or threat | The message threatens immediate account closure |
| The code is used once and expires | The sender repeatedly pressures you to respond |
A professionally written message is not automatically genuine. Scammers can copy real company wording, logos and sender names.
The FCC explains that caller ID information can be spoofed, meaning a criminal may falsify the identity displayed on your phone.
How a Legitimate Link Verification Code Works
Understanding how a genuine Link verification code text works can help you distinguish a normal security check from a potential scam.
A legitimate Link verification process usually follows these steps:
- You visit a website that supports Link at checkout.
- You select Link or enter the email address or phone number associated with your Link account.
- Link determines that identity verification is required.
- A one-time verification code is sent by SMS or email.
- You enter the code only on the Link or checkout page that you personally opened.
- Link confirms that you control the registered email address or phone number.
- Your saved payment and shipping information becomes available so you can complete the purchase.
Your Link verification code text is private and should never be shared with a merchant, customer-support representative, buyer, seller or anyone else. Legitimate companies will never ask you to read or forward your one-time verification code.
Link also supports passkeys as an alternative sign-in method. Because passkeys are tied to the genuine website or app, they offer stronger protection against phishing attacks than verification codes that scammers may try to obtain through social engineering.
What to Do When You Requested the Code
If you requested the link verification code text during a checkout or login, you can safely continue—but only after confirming that everything looks legitimate. Taking a few seconds to verify the details can help protect your account and payment information.
1. Confirm You Are on the Correct Website
Before entering the code, carefully check the website address. Look for spelling mistakes, extra words, unusual hyphens or misleading subdomains that could indicate a fake website.
For example, scammers may create domains that closely resemble trusted brands by changing or adding a single character.
2. Enter the Code Only on the Original Page
Use the verification code only on the checkout or login page that generated the request. Never share the code through text messages, emails, phone calls or messaging apps.
3. Confirm the Transaction Details
Before completing your purchase, verify the following:
- Merchant name
- Product or service
- Total amount
- Currency
- Shipping address
- Payment method
If any detail looks unfamiliar or incorrect, stop the transaction and investigate before proceeding.
4. Do Not Approve an Unexpected Request
Be cautious if you receive another verification request that you did not initiate. Scammers may try to trick you into approving a different login or payment.
Always read the information displayed on the verification and confirmation screens before entering the code or completing the transaction.
What to Do If You Did Not Request the Link Verification Code Text
Receiving an unexpected Link verification code text can be unsettling, but there is usually no reason to panic. The most important step is to stay calm, avoid acting quickly and verify everything before responding.
1. Do Not Share the Code
Never share your verification code with anyone.
A Link verification code text is meant only for the person who initiated the login or checkout. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) compares passwords and verification codes to two separate locks. Even if a scammer already knows some of your personal information, they may still need the verification code to access your account.
2. Decide Carefully Whether to Reply STOP
The link allows users to opt out of legitimate SMS messages by replying STOP or following the official instructions provided in the text.
Only do this if you are confident the message genuinely came from Link or Stripe. Do not reply if the message:
- Asks for your verification code
- Contains a shortened or suspicious link
- Requests payment information
- Tells you to call an unfamiliar phone number
- Uses threats or extreme urgency
- Comes from an unexpected personal mobile number
If you are unsure, visit Link’s official website instead of using the contact details included in the message.
3. Avoid Unverified Links
Never click links in a suspicious link verification code text.
Cybersecurity agencies recommend opening the company’s official website or app yourself instead of using links provided in unexpected messages. Although genuine Link messages may include account options, scammers frequently copy legitimate wording and links to steal personal information.
4. Check Your Link Account Independently
Open Link directly through its official website rather than using the text message.
Review your account for:
- Saved payment methods
- Contact information
- Shipping addresses
- Recent activity
- Connected accounts
- Security settings
- Trusted devices and passkeys
If you notice unfamiliar information, update your account immediately and contact Link Support through its official website.
How to Check Link Login Activity
If an unexpected Link verification code text continues to arrive, review your Login Activity to check for unfamiliar devices.
- Sign in to Link from the official website.
- Open Settings.
- Select Login Activity.
- Review recent devices and sign-in history.
- Sign out of devices you no longer recognize.
- Check the Activity section for unfamiliar purchases.
- Contact the merchant about unknown transactions.
- Contact Link Support if you cannot explain the activity.
Also review your:
- Saved payment methods
- Contact information
- Shipping addresses
- Recovery details
- Connected accounts
- Passkeys and trusted devices
An unfamiliar device does not necessarily mean your account has been compromised, but it should be investigated promptly.
5. Review Your Financial Accounts
Check the bank accounts and payment cards connected to Link.
Watch for:
- Unrecognized purchases
- Small test transactions
- New subscriptions
- Changed payment details
- Unexpected refunds
- Declined-payment alerts
If you discover suspicious activity, contact your bank or card issuer immediately using the official phone number or banking app.
6. Protect Your Email Account
Your email account may also be connected to Link and other financial services.
If someone gains access to your email, they may be able to reset passwords, intercept verification messages or hide account notifications.
Protect your account by:
- Using a unique password
- Enabling multi-factor authentication
- Reviewing recovery information
- Signing out of unfamiliar devices
7. Consider Using a Passkey
Link supports passkeys as an alternative to SMS verification.
Because passkeys are tied to your device and the genuine website, they provide stronger protection against phishing attacks than one-time verification codes.
8. Block and Report Suspicious Messages
If you believe the Link verification code text is fraudulent, report it using your phone’s spam-reporting feature.
In the United States, suspicious text messages can be forwarded to 7726 (SPAM) before being reported to the FTC.
In India, suspected fraudulent SMS messages, calls and WhatsApp communications can be reported through the Department of Telecommunications’ Chakshu service. Anyone who has already lost money or become the victim of cybercrime should contact the national cybercrime helpline (1930) or use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Readers in other countries should report suspicious messages through their mobile carrier and the appropriate national consumer-protection or cybercrime authority.
Can Someone Hack You Just by Sending a Verification Code?
Simply receiving a Link verification code text does not give anyone access to your phone or account.
The real risk begins only if you:
- Share the verification code
- Enter it on a fake website
- Click a malicious link
- Install unknown software
- Reveal your password
- Share payment information
- Approve a login or transaction you did not initiate
- Give someone remote access to your device
An unexpected verification code simply means that someone or something attempted to start a verification process using your phone number or email address. It does not prove that your account has already been accessed.
However, if you receive repeated verification codes together with password-reset emails, unfamiliar login alerts or unauthorized transactions, investigate immediately and secure your accounts.
What If Someone Calls and Asks for the Code?
If someone unexpectedly calls and asks for your Link verification code text, end the conversation immediately. Legitimate companies such as Link, Stripe or your bank will never ask you to read or forward a one-time verification code over the phone.
Do not share the code, even if the caller:
- Knows your name
- Knows the last few digits of your payment card
- Claims to work for Link or Stripe
- Says your money is at risk
- Offers to cancel an unauthorized payment
- Claims the code is needed to verify your identity
- Threatens to suspend or lock your account
Scammers often obtain personal information from data breaches, social media, public records or previous scams. Simply knowing details about you does not prove that the caller is legitimate.
If you are concerned about your account, hang up and contact Link, Stripe, your bank or the merchant using the official website, mobile app or verified customer-support number—not the contact details provided by the caller.
Common Link Verification Code Scams
Not every Link verification code text is part of a legitimate login or checkout. Scammers often use genuine verification requests as the first step in a social engineering attack. Understanding these common scams can help you recognize warning signs before your account is compromised.
1. Fake Customer-Support Scam
A scammer pretends to be from Link, Stripe or your bank and claims an unauthorized payment was detected.
They ask you to provide the verification code so they can “cancel” the transaction. In reality, the code may allow them to complete a login, reset your account or authorize another account action.
2. Online Marketplace Scam
A fake buyer or seller claims they need to send you a verification code to confirm that you are a real person.
Legitimate marketplace users never need access to your private verification code.
3. Accidental-Code Scam
The scammer says they accidentally entered your phone number and politely asks you to forward the code.
Even if the story sounds believable, never share the code. They can simply request a new one using the correct phone number.
4. Fake Account-Cancellation Link
Some messages claim you must click a link to cancel a payment, stop future messages or verify your account.
The link may lead to a fake login page designed to steal your email address, password, payment information or Link verification code text.
5. Verification Fatigue Scam
A scammer repeatedly triggers verification requests and then contacts you while you are frustrated or confused.
The goal is to pressure you into approving a login or sharing the verification code simply to stop the notifications.
6. SIM-Swap Follow-Up
In more advanced attacks, criminals try to convince your mobile carrier to transfer your phone number to a different SIM card.
Warning signs include:
- Sudden loss of mobile service
- Unexpected carrier notifications
- Account changes you did not request
- Verification codes arriving on another device
If your phone suddenly stops receiving calls and text messages while other devices continue to have network access, contact your mobile carrier immediately and secure your financial accounts.
What to Do If You Clicked the Link
If you clicked a link in a Link verification code text, don’t panic. The right response depends on what happened after you opened it. Acting quickly can reduce the risk of unauthorized access or financial loss.
You Opened the Page but Entered Nothing
If you only opened the page and did not provide any information:
- Close the website immediately.
- Do not download files or install any apps.
- Update your browser and device software.
- Run a trusted security scan if the page attempted to install software or requested unusual permissions.
You Entered Your Link or Email Password
Change your password immediately through the official Link website or your email provider.
Then:
- Sign out of other active sessions.
- Review your account recovery information.
- Enable multi-factor authentication.
- Check for unauthorized email forwarding rules.
- Review recent account activity.
- Change the same password anywhere else you reused it.
You Entered a Verification Code
Assume the code may have been used to complete an account action.
Immediately:
- Sign in to your genuine Link account.
- Change your security settings.
- Remove unfamiliar devices or passkeys.
- Review recent activity.
- Contact official Link Support if you notice suspicious changes.
You Provided Card or Bank Information
Contact your bank or card issuer immediately using the official phone number or banking app.
Ask them to:
- Review recent transactions
- Block suspicious activity
- Replace the affected payment card if necessary
You Lost Money
If you have already suffered a financial loss:
- Contact your financial institution immediately.
- Report the incident to the appropriate cybercrime authority.
- Keep copies of emails, messages, screenshots and transaction records.
The sooner you report the incident, the greater the chance of limiting additional unauthorized activity.
What to Do If You Shared the Verification Code
If you shared a Link verification code text, act immediately to protect your account.
Take these steps as soon as possible:
- Stop communicating with the person who requested the code.
- Sign in to Link using the official website.
- Review your account information and recent activity.
- Change the passwords for your Link account, email account and any related services.
- Remove unfamiliar devices, passkeys and saved payment methods.
- Contact Link Support through an independently verified channel.
- Notify your bank or card issuer about possible unauthorized access.
- Save screenshots, phone numbers and message history as evidence.
- Report the incident to the appropriate fraud or cybercrime authority.
Do not delete messages or other evidence until you have finished reporting the incident. Keeping accurate records may help support investigations and account recovery.
Who Should You Contact?
The correct organization to contact depends on what happened.
| What happened | Who to contact first |
| An unfamiliar device appears in Login Activity | Link Support |
| An unknown purchase appears in Link Activity | The merchant, followed by Link Support |
| Your card or bank account was charged | Your card issuer or bank |
| Your phone suddenly lost mobile service | Your mobile carrier immediately |
| You suspect a SIM-swap attack | Your carrier and affected financial institutions |
| You received a suspicious text but lost no money | Your carrier or national spam-reporting service |
| You entered your password on a fake page | Link, your email provider and affected account providers |
| You shared the verification code | Link Support and your bank or card issuer |
| You already lost money | Your bank and national cybercrime-reporting authority |
| Your saved information is incorrect | Link account settings or Link Support |
When an unfamiliar purchase appears in Link Activity, contact the merchant first because the merchant normally manages the order, refund, cancellation and delivery details.
Contact your bank or card issuer immediately when an unauthorized charge appears. Do not wait for Link or the merchant to complete an investigation before protecting the affected payment method.
How to Stop Link Verification Code Text Messages
If you keep receiving a Link verification code text that you did not request, don’t ignore it. A few simple checks can help stop unwanted messages while ensuring your account remains secure.
1. Check Your Link Settings
Sign in to Link using its official website and confirm that your phone number and email address are correct.
If you no longer use Link, remove any saved payment methods or personal information you no longer want stored.
2. Delete Your Link Account
If you no longer want to use Link, you can delete your account.
According to Link Support, deleting your account removes saved payment methods, addresses and purchase history. Once deleted, the account cannot simply be restored.
Before deleting your account, download or save any transaction records you may need in the future.
3. Understand What Account Deletion Will and Will Not Cancel
Deleting your Link account removes your saved Link information and cancels subscriptions specifically sold through the “Sold through Link” service.
However, deleting your account does not automatically cancel every recurring payment or subscription with outside merchants or buy-now-pay-later providers.
Before deleting your account:
- Review the Activity section for recent purchases.
- Identify active subscriptions or recurring payments.
- Contact merchants directly if a subscription was not sold through Link.
- Save receipts or purchase records you may need.
- Request deletion of your information from individual merchants when appropriate.
4. Use the Official Opt-Out Process Carefully
If you received a genuine Link verification code text by mistake, Link may provide an official option to stop future SMS messages.
Before using any unsubscribe or opt-out link, make sure the message is legitimate. Scammers often create fake opt-out links designed to steal personal information.
When in doubt, visit Link’s official website instead of using links included in the message.
5. Block the Sender
Blocking the sender may reduce future messages from that particular number.
Keep in mind that legitimate businesses and scammers may use multiple phone numbers, so blocking one number may not stop every message.
6. Report Repeated Messages
If the messages continue, report them through:
- Your mobile carrier
- Your messaging application’s spam-report feature
- Your country’s official cybercrime or consumer-protection authority
Reporting suspicious messages helps reduce phishing campaigns and may prevent other users from becoming victims.
How to Tell Whether a Link Is Genuine
Before clicking any link in a Link verification code text, take a moment to verify that it is legitimate. A few simple checks can help you avoid phishing websites designed to steal your personal, payment or account information.
Before opening a web address:
- Read the complete domain name, not just the visible text.
- Look for misspellings, extra letters or unusual characters.
- Avoid shortened links if you cannot verify the destination.
- Do not assume that HTTPS alone means a website is trustworthy.
- Do not trust a page simply because it uses Link or Stripe logos or branding.
- Open the company’s official website manually instead of using the link in the message.
- Use a saved bookmark or a trusted search result whenever possible.
- Check whether your password manager recognizes and autofills the website.
If your password manager does not autofill your credentials, treat it as a warning sign. Although this is not a definitive security test, it may indicate that you are visiting a different domain than the legitimate website.
When in doubt, close the page and access Link or Stripe directly through their official website instead of clicking links from unexpected messages.
Does an Unexpected Code Mean Someone Knows My Password?
Not necessarily. Receiving an unexpected Link verification code text does not automatically mean that someone knows your password or has accessed your account.
Many online services now support passwordless sign-in. Link uses verification codes and passkeys to confirm your identity, so someone can trigger a verification request simply by entering your registered email address or phone number.
However, you should update your passwords immediately if you:
- Reuse the same password across multiple websites.
- Receive an unexpected password-reset notification.
- Notice an unfamiliar login or device.
- See suspicious activity in your email account.
- Find an unauthorized purchase or payment.
- Shared personal information with a suspicious caller or website.
For better security, use a unique password for every important account and enable multi-factor authentication or passkeys whenever they are available. If an unexpected verification code is accompanied by suspicious account activity, investigate it immediately rather than assuming it was sent by mistake.
Is Link by Stripe Safe?
Yes. Link is a legitimate digital wallet and accelerated checkout service developed by Stripe. However, receiving a Link verification code text does not automatically mean that every message claiming to be from Link is genuine.
Stripe states that Link encrypts customer data both in transit and at rest. It also uses identity verification, fraud-detection systems and one-time security codes to help protect accounts, especially when users sign in from a new browser or device.
To use Link safely, you should:
- Keep verification codes private.
- Protect your email account with a strong, unique password.
- Enable passkeys or multi-factor authentication when available.
- Review transaction details before approving a payment.
- Monitor your saved payment methods and account activity.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links or responding to unexpected messages.
Link itself is a trusted service, but scammers frequently impersonate well-known companies. Always verify unexpected messages through Link’s official website before entering personal information or sharing a verification code.
Why Do I Keep Receiving Link Verification Codes?
If you keep receiving a Link verification code text without requesting it, there is usually a legitimate explanation. However, repeated messages should not be ignored, especially if they continue over several days.
Common reasons include:
- Link remembers you on another device.
- Someone repeatedly enters your phone number by mistake.
- Your phone number is associated with an older Link account.
- Someone is attempting to sign in using your email address or phone number.
- Automated login attempts are triggering new verification requests.
- A scammer is trying to pressure you into sharing the verification code.
If the messages continue, review your Link account settings, check your Login Activity and contact official Link Support through its verified website.
What If the Link Text Is Connected to an Old or Recycled Number?
Mobile carriers occasionally reassign inactive phone numbers. If you recently changed your number, an unexpected Link verification message may be related to the previous owner’s account rather than your own.
If this happens:
- Do not attempt to access another person’s account.
- Never share the verification code with anyone.
- Confirm that your own Link account uses the correct phone number.
- Use Link’s official opt-out option only after confirming the message is genuine.
- Contact Link Support if the messages continue.
- Reset or update your Link account if it still contains an outdated phone number.
If you continue receiving verification messages after updating your information, contact your mobile carrier and Link Support to investigate the issue further.
Conclusion
A Link verification code text is not automatically a sign of fraud. Link by Stripe legitimately sends one-time verification codes to confirm a user’s identity during checkout or when an account is accessed from a new browser, device or supported website.
However, an unexpected message should never be ignored. It may be triggered by a remembered device, an incorrectly entered phone number, an attempted account login or a social-engineering scam designed to steal your verification code.
The safest approach is simple: never share a Link verification code text with anyone. Enter it only on an official Link or merchant page that you personally opened during a checkout or login you initiated.
If you were not expecting the message, avoid clicking its links, review your Link account and financial activity independently, and report anything suspicious through official support channels. A few minutes of verification can help protect your personal information, payment methods and online accounts.
Link Verification Code Text FAQs
1. Can a Link verification code text expire?
Yes. A Link verification code text is a one-time security code that usually expires after a short period. If the code expires before you use it, request a new one through the official Link checkout or login page instead of reusing the old code.
2. Why did I receive a Link verification code text in the middle of the night?
Receiving a Link verification code text outside your normal activity may happen because someone attempted to sign in using your phone number, a remembered device triggered verification, or another person entered the wrong number. Review your account if you were not using Link.
3. Can I ignore a Link verification code text if I did not request it?
Yes. If you did not request the verification, do not enter or share the code. Instead, check your Link account independently and monitor your recent account activity for anything unusual.
4. Does changing my phone number stop Link verification code text messages?
Changing your phone number alone may not stop future messages if your Link account still uses the old number. Update your account information and remove outdated contact details to prevent unnecessary verification requests.
5. Can a Link verification code text be sent by email instead of SMS?
Yes. Depending on your account settings and the verification method being used, Link may send verification codes by SMS or email to confirm your identity.
6. Should I delete my Link account after receiving an unexpected verification code?
Not necessarily. First review your Login Activity, recent purchases and account settings. Delete your Link account only if you no longer use the service or cannot secure the account.
7. Can I receive a link verification code text while traveling?
Yes. Signing in from a different country, device or browser while traveling may trigger additional identity verification to help protect your account.
8. Is every Link verification code text connected to a purchase?
No. A Link verification code text may also be generated during account login, identity verification, passwordless authentication or account recovery without any payment being processed.
