Q: Hi, I cannot erase my phone, the popup Im getting is that verification failed. It says the same when I try to turn off Find my iPhone or when I want to sign out of iCloud.

You need the Apple ID and password for the logged in account owner. If you don't own the phone, then there is nothing you can do. If you do own the phone, then you need to enter your Apple ID and password that was use to setup your phone.

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1. Forgot iCloud Password
2. Forgot Apple ID
3. Apple ID - Apple Support
4. Manage your Apple ID primary, rescue, alternate, and notification email addresses - Apple Support
5. About your Apple ID email addresses - Apple Support
6. Get help with Apple ID

my password which is certainly correct

The error message for an incorrect password would be different. It sounds more like a connectivity issue.

Are you on wifi? Do you still have cellular data?

There is a contact link.

Apple ID Support

Apple ID Support (2)