A text message from the short code 60680 is a legitimate security notification, typically a one-time verification code or fraud alert sent by financial services like US Bank or Fidelity Investments to confirm your identity. This message is a crucial part of the two-factor authentication (2FA) process used to protect your accounts.
If you’ve received a text from this five-digit number, it is almost certainly a real security alert. This guide will explain who uses this code, why you received a message, and the critical steps to take if the text was unexpected.
Who Uses the 60680 Short Code?
The number 60680 is a “shared short code,” which means it is leased by multiple companies to send automated text messages. While various services can use it, it is most frequently associated with companies that require a high level of security, particularly financial institutions.
The most common and reputable senders using the 60680 short code include:
- US Bank: For verifying logins, authorizing Zelle payments, and sending fraud alerts.
- Fidelity Investments: For two-factor authentication when accessing your investment accounts.
- Other Financial Institutions: Various other banks, credit unions, and financial service providers may use this code for similar security purposes.
If you use any of these services, a text from 60680 is a normal part of their security procedure.
The Purpose of a 60680 Text: Account Security
The main reason you receive a text from 60680 is for two-factor authentication (2FA) and fraud prevention. This is a security measure that requires you to provide a temporary code sent to your phone to prove your identity when performing sensitive actions.
You will typically receive a code or alert from 60680 immediately after you:
- Attempt to log in to your bank or investment account from a new computer or phone.
- Request to reset your account password.
- Try to authorize a large financial transaction, wire transfer, or Zelle payment.
- Make significant changes to your account’s security settings.
Is the 60680 Text Message a Scam?
No, a text originating from the 60680 short code is almost always a legitimate communication from a financial service you likely use. The message itself is not a scam; it’s a security feature.
However, the reason you received it could be a warning sign that a scammer is trying to access your account.
CRITICAL: What to Do If You Received a 60680 Code You Didn’t Request
If you receive a verification code or fraud alert from 60680 but you were not actively trying to log into or use your account, treat this as a serious and urgent security alert. It means that someone else has your password or account details and is actively trying to gain access.
Follow these steps immediately to protect your account:
- Do NOT share the code with anyone. Scammers who have your password will often try to contact you, pretending to be from the bank, to trick you into giving them the code. A real employee will never ask you for this.
- Do NOT call any phone number listed in the text message. Scammers can send fake texts with fraudulent phone numbers.
- Find the official customer service number for your bank or financial institution on the back of your debit/credit card or on their official website.
- Contact your financial institution immediately using that official number to report the unauthorized access attempt.
- After speaking with them, log into your account and change your password to something new, strong, and unique.
How to Stop Messages from 60680
It is not possible or advisable to stop receiving these security-related texts. They are on-demand, “transactional” messages sent only when there is an attempt to access your account.
Blocking the 60680 number is highly discouraged, as it could prevent you from receiving critical fraud alerts or being able to access your own financial accounts in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
I got a 60680 text, but I don’t use US Bank or Fidelity. Why?
This could mean someone entered your phone number by mistake when setting up their account. It could also be from a different financial service that uses the same shared code. If you didn’t request the code and don’t recognize the service named, you can safely ignore it but should remain vigilant about your financial accounts.
Can I text STOP to 60680?
Replying with STOP to a shared short code is generally ineffective for transactional 2FA and fraud alert codes. You cannot “unsubscribe” from your own security alerts.
Does the verification code from 60680 expire?
Yes. For your security, these one-time passcodes are time-sensitive and will usually expire within a few minutes (typically 5-10 minutes) after they are sent.
The text from 60680 asks me to call a number. Is it safe?
Be extremely cautious. Scammers can spoof the 60680 short code and send a fake message with a fraudulent phone number. Never trust a phone number sent in an unexpected text. Always find the official number on the back of your bank card or the company’s website.
Conclusion
In short, the 60680 text message is a legitimate security tool used by major financial institutions like US Bank and Fidelity. If you initiated a login or transaction, the code is safe to use on the company’s official website or app. However, if you received a code unexpectedly, it is an urgent warning that your account is at risk. Never share the code, and immediately contact your financial institution using their official phone number to secure your account.
