Messaging not allowing replies to texts with no actual phone numbers?

[tammydj]

I can't respond to text messages that are not actual phone numbers. ANY suggestions why I can't? 

[usssera]

Can you call the numbers? I'm not sure what you mean exactly. Are they short code numbers that are texting you? If a number isn't an actual phone number, then they may be burner numbers?

[Benjoh]

I think she is talking about numbers in 5 or 6 segments that we get from phone companies, doctor's appointments, etc. Legitimate ones give you prompts, but sometimes automatic system for doctor's don't so I was told to just put STOP on those.

[Benjoh]

Some of these can only let you reply if prompt. Like a reminder to pay your phone bill or your doctor calling too much. Sometimes there might be a scam. Usually doctors are reminders but the get too much. Reply STOP and they will stop. I get these too. The reminders that are annoying just put Stop in CAPS. Those don't prompt you too. If you get any other that is not someone you expect like auto repair shop, your receipt for purchase, and items that you know you didn't get, write the number and text down and give to your local law enforcement for scams.

[usssera]

Yeah, it sounds like a scam.

[realaud]

She is saying she can't reply to messages with short codes.

[ts45]

Same problem. Note10+ 5g, tmobile. Tmobile techs called them short codes. Said is handset issue.

I have another tmobile phone doing same thing, so not a broken cellphone.

Anyone else like us?

Any ideas?

Thx, ts45

[realaud]

These days short codes are mainly no reply codes, since they are mostly used for sending verification codes, OTPs and certain announcements.  Sometimes they allow for a reply like stop or y/n responses, but lately not often.  You should not reply to any of them unless you positively know the source.  If it's a bank notification about a large charge, legitimate ones have your bank name and usually the last 4 of the card #. Anything with no identifying information asking for a response should be ignored.