Ate these institutions that would already have your cell phone number?

Well, I'm not sure as I have both a cell and land line...but they did ask for the cell no for me to receive the text...

I've had to do this when setting up a new account online, or registering on a website that didn't already have my cell number, so, no they wouldn't need to have your number on file. I suppose it's a way of verifying that the number you give them isn't fake.

It is to verify that it's you.

As long as YOU called THEM, and weren't prompted to call them by a text or voice mail, then you (presumably) are okay.

That does sound odd if you are speaking to an institution with which you already have an account set up. Usually when on phone you’re asked the verification questions based on what you filled out in your profile - mom’s maiden name etc. I get the texted code to enter every time I go on line to several of my financial institutions that I do business with. It’s the 2 step security used on sign in. Thought is if it’s not me entering my ID & PW but I receive a security code then someone is trying to get into my account.

The bad guys can easily spoof the caller ID function to say any number. By sending a text message, the recipient can confirm that the caller is holding the phone that's the same as what the caller ID says.

I get the logic of 2-factor authentication...they want to verify you through 2 pieces of equipment, like your computer and verify with your cell no on file. But I don't get this.

This is like meeting someone and asking their name. They say Joe. So you say, are you Joe? They say yes. That verifies nothing other than the person is representing himself to be Joe...even if he's really Pete.

Never experienced 2 factor ID that way. I've set up my account preferences with my mobile numbers and whether to receive verification through ph.#, email or text. I mostly sign on online, tho, I don't usually call - ph. calls usually ask for acct PIN, or last 4 SSN as verification.

Is this just one co. or more than that? Wondering which one(s) as well?

I’ve only had to use the verification code sent to my phone when trying to access an online account.

Express scripts is one example.

Annie, I'm confused as well.

Nothing to be confused about. It's as I described just above.

I've never had this experience before, Annie. I did read an article in the last couple of weeks about bad guys finding work arounds for two factor authentication. It said that biometrics was going to be the replacement.

Jrb how does the workaround work? I use 2 factor when banking online, and up until your comment felt it was secure.

I dont order from Walmart often, but every time I do, they have to send me a verification code to my cell and I have to log in with code. I recently did that for a wedding registry. cuts down on hacking…..it just verifys that if someone has figured out how to hack, they would also have to have my cell.

In was recently visiting my daughter and was placing an order for me using her phone via my account. I received a text verifying it was me. Same thing happens when DH uses the prime account (he doesn't shop often).

My bank emails or texts a code every time I log in. It also says to never give the code to anyone over the phone. I don't think I'd ever give a code over the phone regardless of who called who. I've seen too many news stories of "I thought they were the bank and now the bank won't give me my money because they say I authorized the transaction since the perp had my code." If a company really has that as their security protocol I'd look for another.

Did you ask whomever you were speaking to how the authentication works? You might get the answer from the source rather than a bunch of random guesses like what has been posted.

" Well, I'm not sure as I have both a cell and land line...but they did ask for the cell no for me to receive the text... "

I suspect they probably have the number, so they're verifying that the number they have is actually your cell phone number - rather than just verbally confirming it. It's happened to me, and that's what I interpreted it as being for.

TV, ”I suspect they probably have the number, so they're verifying that the number they have is actually your cell phone number - rather than just verbally confirming it. It's happened to me, and that's what I interpreted it as being for.”

That’s my guess as well. There’s a couple of restaurants I call for takeout that always ask for my phone number. I’m thinking why am I being asked when you’re seeing it on caller ID. I tell them and they reply with my name, asking for my order.

@lucille, I’m looking for the article and will post a link when found.