In the modern world of digital communication, receiving a text message from a short, five-digit number is a common occurrence. These numbers, known as short codes, are used by businesses, financial institutions, and service providers to send high volumes of messages. One such number that users frequently encounter is 75801. If you’ve received a 75801 text message, this article will help you understand its likely source and what actions you should take.
What is the 75801 Short Code?
The number 75801 is a verified short code primarily associated with financial institutions for sending alerts and notifications. Unlike a standard ten-digit phone number, short codes like 75801 are designed for one-way or two-way communication between a business and its customers. The most common use for a 75801 text message is to deliver timely and critical information related to your accounts.
Legitimate Sources of a 75801 Text Message
The vast majority of messages from this short code are legitimate and are sent by well-known financial service companies. These often include:
- Credit Card Fraud Alerts: Banks like Chase and other major credit card issuers use this number to send immediate fraud alerts. For instance, if a suspicious transaction is detected on your account, you might receive a text asking you to verify the charge.
- Account Notifications: You may receive updates about account activity, such as a payment being due, a payment being posted, or other important non-marketing information.
- One-Time Passcodes (OTPs): For security purposes, when you log in to your online banking portal or try to make a significant change, you might receive a 75801 text message containing a one-time passcode to verify your identity.
Typically, you would have opted in to receive these messages when you signed up for your account or enabled text message alerts through your online banking settings.
How to Verify and Respond to a 75801 Text Message
While most 75801 text message communications are authentic, it’s always wise to practice good digital security. Scammers can use a technique called “spoofing” to make a message appear to come from a legitimate short code.
Here’s how to handle a message from 75801:
- Read Carefully: Analyze the content of the message. Does it refer to an account you own? Is it about a recent transaction? Legitimate messages are often direct and specific.
- Be Wary of Links: A common phishing tactic is to include a link in the text message. A legitimate fraud alert will usually ask for a simple “YES” or “NO” reply, not for you to click a link and log in to a website. Never click on unsolicited links.
- Do Not Provide Personal Information: Never reply to a text message with sensitive information like your password, PIN, social security number, or full credit card number.
- Verify Independently: If you are unsure about a message, do not respond. Instead, log in to your bank’s official website or mobile app directly (without using any links from the text) to check for notifications. Alternatively, call the customer service number on the back of your credit or debit card to inquire about the alert.
Conclusion: A Tool for Security
The 75801 text message short code is, for the most part, a valuable tool used by financial institutions to protect their customers from fraud and keep them informed about their accounts. By understanding its purpose and remaining vigilant against potential scams, you can use these alerts as an effective layer of personal financial security. Always remember to verify suspicious messages through official channels before taking any action.
