The six-digit sequence 77917 is a legitimate, registered shared SMS short code used in the United States and Canada for high-volume, automated text messaging.
The direct answer is that the 77917 short code text message is most frequently associated with messaging aggregators (like mGage Employee alerts, according to some directories) who lease the code to multiple corporate clients. Therefore, the message is likely a transactional alert, a verification code, or a scheduled notification from a business you interact with.
This article details the function of the 77917 short code, explains how to securely identify the company sending you messages, and provides crucial advice on security and opt-out procedures.
Main Body: Who Sends Texts from 77917?
The 77917 short code is used by organizations that require confirmed, reliable, and high-speed communication with a large audience. Unlike a 10-digit number, the short code is pre-vetted by carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile), giving its messages high credibility.
- Primary Uses of Short Code 77917
The 77917 short code is categorized for non-promotional and security-critical communication:
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Sending one-time verification codes (OTPs) needed for logins, password resets, or authorizing sensitive transactions across various platforms (social media, financial apps, etc.).
- Employee/Internal Alerts: Used by large companies to send time-sensitive notifications to their staff (e.g., system outages, meeting reminders, or urgent HR alerts).
- Account Notifications: Transaction confirmations, service changes, or appointment reminders from large service organizations.
- Is the 77917 Short Code a Scam?
No. The 77917 short code is legitimate and registered. The message itself is not a scam.
- Critical Warning: The danger lies in Social Engineering and Callback Fraud. If you receive a text from 77917 with a verification code, and a person immediately calls you asking for that code, the person is a fraudster trying to access your account. Never share the code.
Actionable Steps: How to Stop Texts from 77917
By law (CTIA guidelines), all short code programs must provide an easy and immediate method for customers to opt out.
- Identify the Sender (Reply HELP)
Because 77917 is a shared short code, the sender’s identity is not immediately obvious. The quickest way to confirm the identity of the company using the code is by replying with the HELP keyword.
- Action: Reply with the keyword HELP to the number 77917.
- Result: The system should automatically respond with a text message containing the name of the company or service that owns the short code, their website, and often a customer service phone number for detailed inquiries.
- Opt-Out of Messages (Reply STOP)
Once you identify the sender, you can cease future messages:
- Action: Reply with the keyword STOP (or END, CANCEL, or UNSUBSCRIBE) to the number 77917.
- Result: The system will send a confirmation message, and your number will be removed from that specific messaging program.
- Unsolicited Verification Code
If you receive a verification code that you did not request, it is an alert that someone has your password.
- Immediate Action: Change your password on the associated online account immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will replying STOP block all messages, including my 2FA codes?
Yes, generally. Replying STOP will stop all messages from that specific campaign. If you need to keep receiving 2FA codes, you may need to:
- Re-subscribe by initiating the service’s sign-up process again (which may allow you to only opt in to transactional alerts).
- Switch to an Authenticator App for 2FA instead of SMS.
Is texting 77917 free?
Yes. Texting the 77917 short code is considered standard SMS messaging and is included in all major carriers’ unlimited texting plans at no extra charge.
What is an SMS aggregator?
An SMS aggregator is a company (like mGage or Twilio) that connects the short code system with various businesses, allowing multiple clients to send messages through the same code, which is why 77917 is used by many different entities.
Conclusion
The 77917 short code text message is a reliable channel for security and transactional alerts. For security purposes, never share the verification code it sends with anyone who calls or texts you. If the message is unwanted, reply HELP to identify the sender, followed by STOP to opt out.
