Where does the 73981 text message come from?
73981 is a short code registered to Bank of America. It’s used to send SafePass verification codes, two-factor authentication (2FA) messages, and account security alerts.
The code itself is legitimate—but if you didn’t request a message from it, someone may be trying to access your account. Here’s what to do about it.
Who owns the short code 73981?
- Bank of America is the sole registered owner
- Used for SafePass security codes and 2FA verification
- Also sends account security alerts and fraud notifications
- Registered as an active commercial short code in the US.
73981 short code is registered specifically for Bank of America’s authentication services.
Unlike some short codes shared across multiple companies, 73981 is Bank of America’s dedicated security channel. If you received a text from this number, it’s tied to BofA—whether you have an account or not.
Why you got a text from 73981
- 2FA/verification code—you (or someone else) tried to log in to a Bank of America account tied to your phone number
- SafePass code—a security code for authorizing an online banking transaction
- Account alert—notification about unusual activity or a security event
- Password reset—someone initiated a password change on an account linked to your number
2FA codes are the most common reason people search for this number. If you didn’t initiate any Bank of America activity, that code wasn’t meant for you—or worse, someone is actively trying to break into your account.
Bank of America’s security documentation confirms that legitimate texts from 73981 include language like “DO NOT share this code. We will NEVER call you or text you for it.”
That warning is your first clue you’re dealing with the real thing.
Is the 73981 short code safe or a scam?
Threat level: ELEVATED
- Verification code you requested → safe, working as intended
- Verification code you didn’t request → suspicious, don’t share it
- You don’t have a Bank of America account → likely a wrong number or number recycling
- Message includes links, urgent language, or asks for personal info → scam
The number itself is legitimate, but it’s heavily targeted by scammers who exploit people’s trust in Bank of America’s security system. Facebook security posts warn about “wild new scam texts” that appear to come from Bank of America but are designed to steal sensitive information.
Understanding what’s happening: four scenarios
Scenario 1: You requested the code (safe)
You’re logging in to your Bank of America account or using their mobile app, and you receive a verification code. The timing matches your activity. This is exactly how the system should work.
Scenario 2: Someone made a typo (harmless)
Another Bank of America customer typed their phone number incorrectly when setting up 2FA. Their mistake sent the code to your number instead. This happens occasionally with common number patterns.
Scenario 3: Account takeover attempt (dangerous)
You receive a code from 73981 when you weren’t trying to log in. Reddit users in r/Scams document receiving verification codes with no corresponding activity in their sign-in history. Someone has your login credentials—probably from a data breach—and the 2FA code is the only thing stopping them.
Scenario 4: Spoofed message followed by a call (extremely dangerous)
You get a code from 73981, then immediately receive a call from someone claiming to be Bank of America. They say there’s “suspicious activity” and need you to share the code. This is a coordinated social engineering attack.
How account takeover scams work
The attack usually starts long before you receive that unsolicited code. Here’s the typical sequence:
- Your login credentials get compromised through a data breach, phishing email, or credential stuffing.
- The attacker tries to log in to your Bank of America account with your stolen username and password.
- Bank of America’s security system triggers 2FA and sends a code to your phone from 73981.
- The attacker calls you pretending to be Bank of America, using social engineering tactics to convince you to share the code.
Unsolicited verification codes usually mean someone typed your phone number or email into a login form. The verification code is the last thing stopping them from getting in.
A Reddit r/Banking discussion documents a user who was asked for “the texted security code” during what they believed was a legitimate call—highlighting just how convincing these tactics can be.
Legitimate Bank of America text vs phishing attempt
| Feature | Legitimate text (73981) | Phishing attempt |
| Content | Short numeric code only | Includes clickable links or phone numbers |
| Language | “DO NOT share this code” | “Verify immediately or your account will be closed” |
| Timing | Arrives after you initiate a login or transaction | Arrives unprompted, often followed by a phone call |
| Requests | Never asks you to reply or call | Asks you to reply with code, click a link, or call a number |
| Grammar | Professional, clean formatting | Typos, odd spacing, or unusual phrasing |
What to do if you get an unsolicited text from 73981
If you have a Bank of America account:
- Don’t share the code with anyone—not even someone claiming to be from the bank.
- Log in to your account directly at bankofamerica.com (don’t use any links from the text). Check recent sign-in history and transactions.
- Change your password immediately. Use a strong, unique password you haven’t used anywhere else.
- Enable biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition) if your device supports it.
- Review payees, beneficiaries, and scheduled transfers for unauthorized changes.
Report the incident to Bank of America by forwarding the text to [email protected]. Bank of America’s security center confirms they will never call or text asking you to share a verification code.
If you don’t have a Bank of America account:
- Your phone number may have been recycled from a previous BofA customer, or someone typed their number wrong during account setup.
- Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM). The FCC recommends this as the standard reporting method for suspicious texts.
- Don’t reply “STOP” unless you’re certain it’s legitimate—responding to unknown numbers confirms your number is active.
- If it keeps happening, contact Bank of America to have your number removed from their system.
Not getting codes you need? Carrier troubleshooting
Some Bank of America customers face the opposite problem—they can’t receive legitimate verification codes. Here’s how to fix it:
Switch to your phone’s default SMS app. Third-party messaging apps sometimes filter or block short code messages.
Text HELP to 73981. If you get an automated response, your phone can communicate with Bank of America’s system. If nothing comes back, the issue is with your carrier.
Check for carrier-level blocking. Verizon and Public Mobile users report issues because their carrier blocked the short code. Look for “premium SMS” or “short code” settings.
Call 611 from your mobile phone. Tell your carrier you need to enable short code messages from 73981 for Bank of America’s security verification.
FAQ
Does Bank of America ever send texts?
Yes. Bank of America sends text messages from short codes like 73981 and 322632 for account alerts, security verification, and transaction notifications. They never ask for sensitive information like PINs, passwords, or verification codes via text. Legitimate messages provide information or codes you requested—they don’t ask you to send anything back.
What is the Bank of America short code?
Bank of America uses multiple short codes. 73981 handles SafePass verification and security codes. You might also see 322632 for general account alerts or 80814 for Zelle payment notifications. These are different from Bank of America’s routing number (used for transfers) or SWIFT code (used for international wires).
Why did I get a random text with a verification code from 73981?
Three possibilities. First, another customer may have typed your number by mistake during account setup. Second, your phone number may have previously belonged to a BofA customer. Third—and most seriously—someone with your login credentials is attempting to access your account, and the 2FA code is the last barrier stopping them. Check your Bank of America account immediately if you have one.
Will a bank ever send you a text message?
Yes, banks routinely send texts for transaction alerts, fraud warnings, and 2FA. The key is what they ask for in return. Legitimate bank texts never request that you reply with sensitive information, click suspicious links, or call unverified numbers. If a text asks you to take action beyond reviewing information, treat it with suspicion.
Can I block texts from 73981?
You can text STOP to 73981, but consider the consequences first. Blocking this number means you won’t receive verification codes when you try to log in to your account—potentially locking you out of online banking. If you don’t have a Bank of America account, blocking makes sense. If you do, adjust your notification preferences through your account settings instead.
How do I know if a 73981 text is real or fake?
Legitimate texts from 73981 are short, contain only a numeric code, and include language like “DO NOT share this code.” They arrive when you’ve initiated an action requiring verification. Fake texts include clickable links, urgent language, poor grammar, or requests to call a specific number. When in doubt, log into your Bank of America account directly through the official website or app.
Is 73981 a scam?
The number is real and belongs to Bank of America—but the message can absolutely be used in a scam. Scammers spoof this short code to send fake alerts, or they trigger real codes by attempting to log in to your account. The number’s legitimacy is exactly what makes it dangerous in the wrong hands. Never share a code you didn’t request, and never trust a caller who asks for one.
