Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Watch for scams, AI images when donating to hurricane disaster relief What's a verification code, and why are they so important?

But my phone number doesn’t have 988 in it, why the change? 82 area codes currently permit 7-digit dialing and also use 988 as a central office code – even if your phone number does not. The 530 area ...

, a process that helps keep your important online accounts secure. For example, you might get a text message or email with a six-digit code that you must enter when you log into your bank account.