The text message short code 71027 is a legitimate transactional short code in the United States, primarily used by debt collection agencies and other large financial service organizations for mandated alerts and reminders.
If you are receiving texts from 71027, the sender is likely attempting to contact you about a specific, outstanding debt, loan balance, or payment due date. This short code is not for marketing or promotions; it is designed for communication related to a customer account.
This article details the confirmed use of the 71027 short code, explains how to securely stop the messages, and provides crucial advice for dealing with debt collection alerts.
Main Body: Who Uses Short Code 71027?
A transactional short code is pre-approved by all major mobile carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) for the purpose of communicating essential information. The 71027 code is used by various financial entities.
Primary Purpose: Debt Collection and Financial Reminders
Short code 71027 is most commonly associated with:
- Debt Collection Agencies: Various third-party debt collection services, including those working for auto loans or consumer financing, use 71027 for automated contact.
- Financial Services: Companies like Santander Consumer USA or similar auto financing companies use this code for loan reminders and payment alerts.
Important Note: Because the short code is transactional and often related to debt, receiving a text from 71027 is a strong indication that a company has your number linked to a current or former financial obligation.
Safety Check: Is it a Scam?
While the short code 71027 itself is legitimate and registered, the contents of a text message should be handled carefully.
- Legitimate Text: The message will state a balance due, a payment reminder, or an account status update, and provide an official 1-800 number to call.
- Scam Red Flag: Never click on a link in an unsolicited debt collection text. Legitimate debt collection texts will usually ask you to reply “STOP” or call an official number, not click a link to make a payment immediately.
Actionable Steps: How to STOP Texts from 71027
If you wish to stop receiving text messages from the 71027 short code, you must use the industry-standard opt-out keyword.
- Immediately Reply “STOP”
The easiest and most reliable method to cease all further communication from this short code is to reply directly to the message.
- To Opt-Out: Reply with the word STOP (or STOPALL) to the number 71027.
- What Happens: The sender’s system is legally required (under CTIA guidelines) to send a final confirmation message stating that you have been successfully unsubscribed and will no longer receive texts.
- Contact the Sender Directly
If replying STOP does not work, you must call the company directly to request communication be ceased by text message.
- Identify the Company: Look closely at the text message to see if it mentions a company name (e.g., Santander).
- Verify the Number: Search online for the company’s official, publicly listed 1-800 customer service number (do not call any number provided in the text message).
- Request Opt-Out: Inform the representative that you wish to formally opt out of all SMS communication to your mobile number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will replying “STOP” stop all calls and letters?
No. Replying STOP to the short code 71027 only stops messages originating from that specific short code number. It does not stop the company from calling you on a 10-digit number or sending you physical mail. You must deal with the company directly to cease all forms of communication.
Can I block a short code manually?
Yes, most modern smartphones (iPhone and Android) allow you to block the 5-digit number in your contacts or messaging app settings, but replying STOP is always the preferred first step as it officially removes you from the sender’s text list.
Why does a bank or debt collector use a short code?
Short codes provide high volume and fast delivery, making them ideal for time-sensitive, transactional alerts that require immediate attention (e.g., “Your payment is due today”). They also increase the likelihood that the customer will receive the important notification.
Conclusion
The 71027 short code is a verified source of communication for financial services and debt collection in the United States. While the message source is legitimate, never click links in debt-related texts. To immediately stop receiving texts from 71027, simply reply STOP to the short code, and remember to follow up with the company directly if you wish to cease all other communication.
