Incoming Text 2513: Is This a T-Mobile Code, iHeartMedia Contest, or a Security Warning?

If you received an incoming text 2513, you are dealing with a short code, which is a special 5-digit number used for high-volume text message communication. The short code 2513 is primarily utilized by two different types of entities in the United States: T-Mobile for internal account campaigns and alerts, and iHeartMedia (radio and promotions).

However, if the text contains an unsolicited one-time PIN or verification code, it is an urgent warning sign of a potential hacking attempt on one of your online accounts (like Google, Facebook, or banking apps). This article clarifies the source of the 2513 text, explains its various purposes, and provides actionable steps to manage and secure your phone.

Who Sends Texts from Short Code 2513?

The identity of the sender from a shared short code can sometimes vary, but in the United States, the majority of messages from 2513 fall into one of two categories:

1. T-Mobile (Official Carrier Communications)

For T-Mobile customers, the short code 2513 is officially designated for T-Mobile campaigns.

• Purpose: These messages are sent by T-Mobile’s system for promotional, informational, or system-related alerts.
• Examples: Updates about your plan features, marketing offers, or occasional notifications related to a change in your service.
• Legitimacy: If you are a T-Mobile customer and the message is related to your account or a promotion you signed up for, it is generally legitimate.

2. iHeartMedia (Contests and Promotions)

In many cases, the 2513 short code is used by iHeartMedia, the major American mass media corporation behind an extensive network of radio stations.

• Purpose: To engage radio listeners with contests, polls, and promotional updates.
• Examples: Sending alerts for on-air contests (e.g., “Text WIN to 2513 now!”), providing updates on local events, or enabling listener polls and voting.
• Action Required: If you recently participated in an iHeartRadio contest or signed up for updates from a local station, the message is likely expected.

3. Political Campaigns

In the past, especially during major election cycles, 2513 has been used by various political campaigns to send updates, rally calls, and voter registration information to individuals who have opted-in to their messaging lists.

The Critical Security Warning from 2513

The most important type of message you can receive from 2513 is an unexpected security code. If the text contains a one-time password (OTP) or a verification PIN that you did not request yourself, this is a sign that a hacker has your password and is trying to access one of your accounts.

Immediate Action for Unrequested Codes

If an incoming text 2513 delivers an unrequested verification code, follow these steps immediately:

1. Do NOT Share the Code: The hacker is waiting for you to send them this code, often by tricking you into replying or calling a fake number. Do not send the code to anyone.
2. Change Your Password Immediately: Go directly to the account that is sending the code (e.g., Google, Facebook, bank) using a web browser and change your password immediately. This locks the hacker out.
3. Upgrade Your 2FA: If the service supports it, upgrade your Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) from SMS text message delivery to a more secure Authenticator App (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator). SMS codes can be intercepted; app codes cannot.

 How to Stop Unwanted Texts from 2513

If the messages from 2513 are promotional and unwanted (spam), you have several options to stop them, depending on the sender.

1. The Universal Opt-Out Command

For legitimate short codes used for marketing, the easiest way to opt out is to reply with a simple keyword.

• Action: Reply to the text message from 2513 with one of the following words:
  • STOP
  • END
  • CANCEL
• Confirmation: The service is legally required to send you a confirmation message stating that you have been unsubscribed.

2. Report Spam to Your Carrier (For Suspicious Texts)

If the messages are suspicious, contain unsolicited links, or are clearly scams (smishing), you should report them.

• Action: Forward the suspicious message to the universal spam reporting short code: 7726 (which spells “SPAM” on a phone keypad).
• Benefit: This action reports the number to your carrier’s security center for investigation and helps protect other users.

3. Block the Number

If all else fails, you can block the short code directly in your messaging app.

• On Android: Open the conversation, tap the three-dot menu, and choose Block & Report Spam.
• On iPhone: Open the conversation, tap the short code number at the top, select Info, and choose Block this Caller.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the 2513 short code used by T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T?

In the United States, 2513 is an officially registered short code primarily used by T-Mobile for specific customer campaigns. It is also heavily used by iHeartMedia for general promotions and contests accessible to customers on all major U.S. carriers (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T).

Should I click a link in a text from 2513?

Only if you are absolutely sure of the source and were expecting the link. If the text is unexpected and contains a link asking you to verify your identity, claim a prize, or update payment information, do not click it. This is the primary tactic used in smishing (SMS phishing) scams.

Why do some sites say 2513 is from Iraq?

Some global short code lookup tools or databases may incorrectly identify the geographic origin of a short code. The 2513 short code in the United States is a domestically registered number used by T-Mobile and iHeartMedia. The corresponding short code in other countries (like Iraq) is an entirely separate entity and irrelevant to U.S. users.