Your phone buzzes. You glance down at a new text from a number you don’t recognize, but it’s not a standard 10-digit phone number. Instead, it’s a short, 5-digit code: 50204. Your first thought is likely, “Is this spam? A scam? Who is this?”
If you’ve received a 50204 text message, you’re not alone. Unsolicited messages can be unsettling, but in this case, there’s a very specific and well-known sender behind this code. This article will explain who it is, what they want, and how you can manage these communications.
What is an SMS Short Code?
Before diving into the specifics of 50204, it’s helpful to understand what it is. A 5- or 6-digit number used for texting is called an SMS short code. Businesses and organizations in the United States use these codes to send messages to a large number of people at once.
You’ve probably encountered them before when you’ve received:
- Appointment reminders from a doctor’s office.
- Shipping notifications from an online retailer.
- Two-factor authentication codes to log into a secure website.
- Promotional offers from a brand you follow.
These codes are designed for high-volume, one-way or two-way communication and are regulated to ensure consumers can opt out. The 50204 text message falls squarely into this category.
The Sender Behind the 50204 Text Message: SiriusXM
Extensive user reports and public records confirm that the 50204 short code is primarily used by SiriusXM, the satellite and online radio broadcasting company.
If you have received a 50204 text message, it is almost certainly related to a SiriusXM subscription—either one that is currently active, one that has recently expired, or a free trial you may have forgotten about.
Common Reasons for a Message from 50204
The content of these texts can vary, but they usually fall into one of several categories:
- Subscription Renewals: Alerts that your subscription is about to expire and needs to be renewed.
- Promotional Offers: Enticing deals to get you to re-subscribe, especially if your service has recently lapsed. This is very common for people who had a free trial with a new car purchase.
- Account Management: Notifications about your account, such as a reminder to update your payment method.
- Welcome Messages: A text to welcome you to a new trial and provide you with information about your service.
Is It a Scam?
This is the most important question. While the 50204 text message may be an unwanted marketing communication, it typically originates from a legitimate source: SiriusXM’s marketing department. The feeling that it might be a scam often arises when someone receives a promotional text long after their trial has ended and they’ve forgotten they ever had a subscription.
How You Should Handle a 50204 Text Message
Your next steps depend on your relationship with SiriusXM and whether you want to continue receiving these alerts.
If You Are a SiriusXM Customer
If you have an active subscription, a 50204 text message is likely a legitimate notification about your account. While it’s generally safe, it’s always best practice to avoid clicking links in texts when it comes to managing your account. Instead, open your web browser and go to the official SiriusXM website to log in and check for any notifications there.
If You Are Not a Customer (Or Want to Opt Out)
If you do not have an active subscription or simply want the texts to stop, the process is simple and standardized.
- Reply with “STOP”: This is the most effective method. By law (the Telephone Consumer Protection Act), companies must honor requests to opt out of their messaging lists when you reply with the word “STOP”. You should receive a confirmation text that you will no longer receive messages.
- Reply with “HELP”: If you want more information before stopping the messages, replying with “HELP” should trigger an automated response that identifies the sender (SiriusXM) and provides more information.
While the 50204 text message is generally safe, it’s wise to maintain good security habits. Never provide personal information like passwords or credit card numbers in response to a text message.
In conclusion, the mystery of the 50204 text message has a simple solution: it’s from SiriusXM. Whether it’s a helpful reminder or an unwanted advertisement, you are in full control. You can use the information to manage your account or use the simple “STOP” command to end the communication for good.
