The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Short Code 73981: Is It a Scam or Bank of America?

In the digital age, receiving an unexpected SMS can instantly trigger anxiety. If you have recently received a message from the text message short code 73981, you are likely wondering who is trying to contact you and whether your finances are at risk. We are here to clear the air in this updated 2026 guide: a 73981 text message is a legitimate and official communication method used primarily by Bank of America (BofA) for customer security and verification services.

When you get a text from 73981, it is almost certainly a SafePass Code. This code is generated when you need to log into your account from a new device, authorize a large transfer, or reset your password. Because of the highly sensitive nature of this information, you must treat every 73981 text as highly secure. This comprehensive report details the exact purpose of the 73981 short code text message, explains how to handle the security codes it contains, and provides actionable steps on what to do if you receive one unexpectedly.

The Purpose of the 73981 Short Code

The 73981 bank of america connection is well-documented. BofA utilizes this specific 5-digit number for vital transactional and security alerts. These are non-marketing messages designed solely to help maintain the integrity of your bank account.

1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

The primary use of the text code 73981 is to deliver a one-time, 6-digit SafePass Code. This is a form of multi-factor authentication designed to prove that the person attempting to access the account is actually you.

The 73981 text message typically reads something like this: “BofA: Your SafePass code is XXXXXX. DO NOT share this code. We will NEVER call you or text you for it.” This clear warning is built right into the message for a critical reason.

2. Transactional and Fraud Alerts

Beyond login verification, Bank of America also uses 73981 sms alerts to notify you regarding highly suspicious activity or unusually large transactions. You may receive a message asking you to reply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to confirm whether you authorized a specific purchase.

Critical Security Alert: The “Bait and Switch” Scam

While the text 73981 itself is a legitimate message from Bank of America, the verification code inside it is the precise target of sophisticated phishing scams. Criminals know that the 73981 text code is trusted, and they exploit that trust.

Here is how the common scam unfolds:

1. The Spoofed Call: A scammer calls you from a number that looks like a local branch or official BofA customer service. They pretend to be a Fraud Representative.
2. The Code Request: The scammer tells you there is “suspicious activity” on your account. They claim they are sending a text message from 73981 (which they trigger by attempting to log into your account with a stolen password) and tell you to read the code back to them to “verify your identity and stop the fraud.”
3. The Theft: If you read the code to them, they immediately enter it on their end, bypass the security, lock you out, and drain your funds.

Actionable Safety Rule: NEVER read a SafePass code, or any One-Time Password (OTP), to anyone who calls you. The text message explicitly states that BofA will NEVER call or text asking for that code. If someone asks for it, hang up immediately.

Troubleshooting: Handling Unexpected Texts

If you receive a 73981 short code text message but you were not trying to log into your account or make a transaction, it means someone else has your password and is trying to get in.

1. Do Not Reply: Do not engage with the unexpected message.
2. Change Your Password: Immediately log in to your Bank of America account through the official website or the verified mobile app (never use a link sent in a text) and change your password.
3. Contact BofA Directly: Call the phone number listed on the back of your debit or credit card to report the attempted fraudulent access.

Managing Transactional Texts

Because the 73981 code is critical for security, BofA does not allow users to fully block all communication from it without compromising their account safety. However, you can manage your alert preferences to reduce noise:

1. Log in to your official Bank of America account online.
2. Navigate to the Security Center or Alerts Settings.
3. Adjust your settings to receive notifications only for the highest-risk transactions.

By understanding what the text message short code 73981 is and how scammers try to exploit it, you can keep your Bank of America accounts secure and your money safe.

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