I’m looking at my statement and trying to figure out how much texting and data I’ve used. I saw that I had been receiving text messages from a 5-digit phone number. And a series of messages from a six-digit phone number.
On my phone bill, what are the 5 digit text numbers?
Users subscribe by texting a keyword to the short code and receiving SMS and MMS messages on their phone. Only numbers between 20000 and 99999 can be used as 5-digit SMS short codes. Numbers between 200000 and 999999 are restricted for 6-digit short codes.
What exactly does a five-digit phone number imply?
A short code is a five- or six-digit phone number that businesses use to send mass text messages. Texting a word or phrase known as a “keyword” to a short code allows people to opt into SMS marketing schemes. They’re designed to be shorter than regular phone numbers in order to make the opt-in procedure easier.
Additionally, SMS short codes have the ability to send large volumes of text messages in a short amount of time. As a result, they are the best option for reaching huge audiences.
What exactly is a text message from a five-digit phone number?
An SMS short code is a five- to six-digit phone number that a company uses to enroll customers in promotional programs. They will then send text message coupons, offers, discounts, and other information to those customers who have opted-in.
For example, a user interacts with an SMS short code by sending a new text message from their mobile device to the 5-6 digit SMS short code, as shown below for a burger:
In reality, the US Short Code Directory has information on the owners of almost 8,000 short codes.
When you choose a specific business from the US Short Code Directory website, you’ll learn everything you need to know about that short code, including the date it was activated, compatible cellular providers, campaign data, and more. It also includes images of how the code is implemented in stores, such as this Starbucks loyalty program:
There are two sorts of SMS short codes that businesses use:
Multiple businesses use shared SMS short numbers, but the keyword will be different. For example, your neighborhood pizza business might invite you to text the word “pizza” to them “For a free slice, text PIZZA to 123-45. In addition, a mechanic may ask you to SMS the word “For a 10% discount, text OILCHANGE to 123-45. The code is the same, but the word is different, and the promotion is different.
We don’t sell short codes at NumberBarn, but we do want you to know what they are. Many firms, such as Twilio and Tatango, may provide you with dedicated or shared short codes for your company.
What is the meaning of the six-digit digits on my phone bill?
The term “short code” refers to a six-digit phone number (there are also some instances of 5-digit short codes). The main cellphone carriers introduced these short code numbers in 2003 to make it easier for marketers to engage with customers. These 6-digit numbers will be used by businesses and organizations to connect with users about things like promotional offers or vital alerts.
You’ve come to the right place if you want to learn more about these figures. In this article, we’ll address the following frequently asked questions:
- What’s the deal with 6-digit phone numbers?
- What is the difference between a 10-digit and a 6-digit phone number?
- What’s the best way to get a 6-digit phone number?
What are short code messages, and how do you use them?
A short code is a unique phone number designed for high-volume, two-way communication. To send and receive SMS and MMS messages to and from mobile phones, short codes are utilized. Twilio now offers short codes in a number of countries. Their name comes from the fact that they are shorter than their ten-digit long code counterparts (typically five to six digits).
What’s the best way to figure out who owns a shortcode?
Simply said, an SMS short code is a 5- to 6-digit number that you can use to enroll people in your SMS marketing campaigns.
The SMS short code in the case above is 99000. “GOLDS” is the opt-in keyword. When SMS marketing software receives a message, it will validate that code to ensure the consumer receives the correct offer or opt-in confirmation.
When a customer texts the correct keyword to your short code, they agree to receive SMS and MMS (multimedia) communications from you. You now have their cell phone number as well as their authorization to promote to them. It’s time to start sending out those promotional texts!
SMS Short Code vs Long Code
Do you know the difference between an SMS short code and an SMS long code? Here are a few of the highlights:
- An SMS short code is a 5-6 digit number that is used to send text messages. The normal length phone number is referred to as a long code (typically 10 digits, depending on your country).
Chipotle used their 6-digit SMS short code for a raincheck marketing, as shown below.
- For opting into a brand’s SMS marketing, an SMS short code is used. A lengthy code number, on the other hand, is utilized for non-marketing purposes, such as customer support and other chat apps.
- Use short codes if you expect to transmit or receive a large number of messages, as they can send up to 100 messages per second. You can only send one message per second with long codes.
- Setup time for short codes might range from 3 days to several weeks. You can utilize the number right away for long codes.
Common Short Code: Accessible From Any Carrier
Short codes were created as a shortcut to standard 10-digit mobile phone numbers by cellular companies. The disadvantage was that they could only be utilized on the original carrier (i.e. a short code under AT&T could only be used by AT&T customers).
The mobile industry saw the need to extend outside each carrier’s walled garden and chose to create the Common Short Code (CSC), a short code that could be used by any mobile phone client, independent of carrier.
Shared vs Dedicated SMS Short Code
Before you start using short codes for SMS marketing, you should understand that you have the option of using shared or dedicated short codes.
Multiple brands utilize shared short codes at the same time; in some cases, hundreds or even thousands of brands use the same number. Consider it similar to shared website hosting.
A shopping mall’s campaign using a shared short code is seen below. It’s worth noting that the number is identical to that of the Gold’s Gym promotion mentioned before.
The manager of the shared short code (for example, 99000 in the photographs above) assigns keywords to you and the rest of their clients. This manner, if someone sends the keyword, it will be recognized “The SMS software will recognize SHOPPING as a shopping/retail client. Alternatively, if the keyword is “TICKETS, indicating that it is intended for use by the travel app client.
Because each keyword belongs to a unique brand or campaign, the shared short code manager ensures that no two brands have the same term.
- You may not have any viable keywords left because you have hundreds (or thousands) of brands all utilizing the same short code.
- If a customer writes a keyword incorrectly, the short code manager, not your brand, may send them an error message.
- Furthermore, if you use a shared short code, you may not want your brand to be connected with other brands (perhaps competitors) who use the same number.
An SMS short code directory can help you figure out who owns a short code. Check out the US Short Code Directory, which lets you look up a code and find out who owns it.
If it’s a dedicated short code, you’ll be able to see which brands are using it. If it’s a shared short code, it’ll display the manager/SMS aggregator’s name and contact information. However, because SMS aggregators do not name their clients, determining which businesses are using a shared number is more difficult.
Dedicated short codes are free of the aforementioned issues. You are the only brand that utilizes and manages a specific short code. Because you have unique access to the phone number, you can use any terms you choose.
There is only one disadvantage: it is costly. The cost of an SMS short code will be discussed in the last section below.
WHEN DID PHONES HAVE FIVE DIGIT NUMBERS?
If you come into an old Springfield document or newspaper in your attic with no dates but a phone number, the information below may assist you narrow down the years it was created.
The 1892-1893 City Directory is the first to list telephone numbers with 1-3 digits.
The 1905 City Directory is the first to list phone numbers with up to four digits.
The 1917 City Directory is the first to list phone numbers with up to five digits.
The 1950 City Directory is the first to use standard 5-digit phone numbers.
In 1958, the first telephone numbers with two letters and five digits were introduced.
What is a phone number that has been spoofed?
The process of misrepresenting information about an incoming call on the receiver’s caller ID display is known as caller ID spoofing. Scammers will alter the caller ID to make it look as if the call is coming from a local or well-known phone number, increasing the likelihood that it will be trusted and answered.
If you respond, the scammer may attempt to steal your money or personal information through social engineering techniques. These methods can range from asking you to press a button on your phone to more serious requests like asking for your Social Security information. While the latter may appear to be easily prevented, scammers’ tactics might be so subtle or deceptive that people do not question their authenticity or authority.
Given the increased popularity of robocalls, telemarketers and scammers alike appear to be getting better at spoofing. Individuals must instead learn to recognize and avoid self-spoofing caller ID. This could be the most secure method of safeguarding your sensitive information.
What does the number 32665 mean on my phone bill?
For example, Facebook uses 32665, and if you have Facebook notifications switched on, your phone will get them as text messages. Other automated services, such as AT&T’s *BAL, which will request your account balance and send it to you as a text via a short code, work with short codes as well.
How do I recognize the sender of a text message?
What is the Best Way to Track Down an SMS Sender?
- Visit the Trace Text website. In the main textbox on the site, type the phone number from which you received the text.
- ReverseLookup is an Android app that you may download and install.
- Go to the Ugux website.