Where does the 31524 text message come from?
31524 is Pizza Hut’s dedicated short code for marketing and order updates.
It’s used for promotional coupons, delivery notifications, and customer engagement campaigns.
The code itself is legitimate—but Pizza Hut has faced multiple lawsuits for sending texts without proper consent. If you didn’t sign up for these messages, reply STOP to 31524.
Who owns the short code 31524?
- Owned by Pizza Hut
- Registered on May 10, 2019, exclusively for Pizza Hut’s use
- Dedicated short code—not shared with any other company
- Used across all US carriers
This checks out across multiple independent sources. Legal documentation from TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) lawsuits confirms each text message was sent on behalf of Pizza Hut.
You can verify this yourself by texting “HELP” to 31524—it triggers an automated response with Pizza Hut’s official contact information.
What is this number used for?
- Promotional messages and coupons—discount codes, special offers, and limited-time deals
- Order updates and delivery notifications—status alerts, estimated delivery times, pickup confirmations
- Customer engagement campaigns—loyalty program updates, feedback requests, SMS-based competitions
The primary use is marketing. You’ll get texts about deals like “$12.99 Stuffed Crust” or playful promos. One real example that circulated online:
“Friday night and your only text is from us? Savage. At least you can get Stuffed Crust for $12.99!”
These messages are sent en masse without human intervention using automated systems designed to reach large audiences quickly.
Is the 31524 short code safe or a scam?
Threat Level: MODERATE
- You ordered from Pizza Hut recently → safe, likely an order update
- Promotional coupon you forgot you signed up for → harmless but annoying
- You never opted in → suspicious—this may violate federal law
- Message asks for personal or payment info → scam
The short code is legitimate. The concern is how Pizza Hut uses it.
Routine promotional messages and order updates are standard marketing. But TCPA lawsuits document that Pizza Hut has sent texts to people who never opted in—and in some cases, continued messaging people who explicitly opted out. That’s why the threat level is moderate rather than low, even though 31524 is Pizza Hut’s verified channel.
Understanding what’s happening: four scenarios
Scenario 1: Recent Pizza Hut customer (safe)
You ordered from Pizza Hut and provided your phone number. The message is a legitimate order update or delivery notification. Harmless.
Scenario 2: Forgot you opted in (harmless)
You signed up for Pizza Hut promotions months or years ago—maybe through their website, app, or by texting a keyword to enter a contest. You genuinely consented but forgot. Annoying, but technically legitimate.
Scenario 3: Never opted in (suspicious)
You’re receiving promotional texts despite never giving Pizza Hut permission. This is the TCPA violation scenario that’s led to multiple lawsuits. Even though it’s coming from Pizza Hut’s real number, unsolicited messages violate federal telecommunications law.
Scenario 4: Phishing attempt (dangerous)
Scammers could spoof messages to appear as if they’re from 31524. These fake texts might include suspicious links, requests for personal information, or urgent calls to action. Malwarebytes warns that seemingly innocent texts can be scam attempts, and CNET reports on how scammers spoof legitimate numbers.
The legal history you should know
Pizza Hut has faced significant scrutiny for how it uses 31524. The company has been involved in multiple TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) lawsuits over its text messaging practices.
The most notable case resulted in a $6 million settlement where Pizza Hut was accused of sending promotional texts without obtaining proper, express, written consent. Class members who proved they received unwanted messages could claim up to $400 in damages.
More recently, lawsuits filed in 2025—including the Brennan and Cortez cases—allege that even when customers reply “STOP” to opt out, Pizza Hut continues sending messages. That’s a serious violation that can carry statutory damages of $500 per text for unintentional violations or $1,500 per text for willful violations.
| Issue | Violation Type | Statutory Damages |
| Unsolicited marketing texts | Unintentional | $500 per text |
| Ignored opt-out requests | Willful | $1,500 per text |
Again, this pattern is why the threat level is moderate—even though 31524 is Pizza Hut’s legitimate channel.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious if a message from 31524:
- Asks you to provide personal information via text (Pizza Hut won’t do this)
- Includes links to websites that don’t match Pizza Hut’s official domains
- Creates false urgency (“Your account will be suspended!” or “Claim prize within 1 hour!”)
- Requests payment information or banking details
- Contains poor grammar or spelling errors unusual for a major brand
- Arrives after you’ve replied “STOP” to similar messages.
The spoofing risk
While 31524 is Pizza Hut’s verified short code, text message spoofing is possible. The key difference: legitimate Pizza Hut messages won’t ask for sensitive information. They’ll only send coupons, order updates, or marketing promotions.
If you receive a message claiming to be from Pizza Hut but asking for your credit card, password, or Social Security number—that’s a phishing scam.
What to do if you receive messages from 31524
If you’re a Pizza Hut customer and want to continue receiving the messages, check your spam filter settings. Some phones automatically filter messages from short codes.
- iPhone—go to Settings > Messages and check “Filter Unknown Senders”
- Android—check your messaging app’s spam settings and look for “Premium SMS” restrictions
If you’re not receiving expected order updates, your carrier might have short code blocks enabled. Contact your mobile provider (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, etc.) and ask them to verify that Premium SMS is enabled on your account.
If you never signed up and want them to stop
1) Reply “STOP” to 31524
This is the industry-standard opt-out method. You can also try “QUIT,” “END,” or “CANCEL.” You should receive an automated confirmation that you’ve been unsubscribed.
2) Block the number on your device
If STOP doesn’t work immediately, block 31524 in your phone’s messaging app.
3) Report to your carrier
Forward the unwanted message to 7726 (SPAM). This alerts your mobile carrier that you’re receiving unwanted texts. Verizon encourages this reporting method to help identify and address spam sources.
4) File a formal complaint
If Pizza Hut continues texting after you’ve opted out, the FTC accepts complaints about unwanted text messages at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Document everything: screenshot the messages, note the dates and times, and save confirmation that you replied “STOP.” This creates a paper trail if you decide to pursue legal action or join a class action lawsuit.
If you suspect phishing or fraud
- If the message seems suspicious, don’t tap or click on any URLs.
- Verify directly with Pizza Hut. Call their customer service line or visit their official website by typing the URL yourself—not through the text link.
- Never share personal information via text. Pizza Hut won’t ask for your credit card number, Social Security number, or password through SMS.
- Report potential scams. Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) and report it to the FTC.
Know your consumer rights
Under the TCPA, companies must obtain your express, written consent before sending marketing text messages. If you can prove you never opted in, you may be entitled to compensation:
- $500 per message for unintentional violations
- $1,500 per message for willful or knowing violations.
This is why Pizza Hut’s $6 million settlement was significant—when violations add up across thousands of recipients, the damages become substantial. If you’ve received multiple unsolicited texts from 31524 after clearly opting out, consider consulting with a consumer protection attorney who specializes in TCPA cases.
FAQ
What is text code 31524?
31524 is a dedicated SMS short code—a special, five-digit number used exclusively by Pizza Hut for sending automated text messages. Unlike regular phone numbers, short codes are designed to handle high volumes of messages quickly, making them ideal for marketing campaigns and customer notifications.
What does it mean when you get a text from a five-digit number?
A text from a five-digit number means you’re receiving a message from a business short code. Companies lease these special numbers to send automated, high-volume messages—things like promotional alerts, order updates, appointment reminders, and verification codes.
How do I find out who owns a short code?
You can look up short code ownership through the US Short Code Registry, maintained by the CTIA and iconectiv. You can also text “HELP” to any short code, which should trigger an automated response identifying the company and providing their contact information.
Can someone hide their number when texting?
Individual users can mask their phone numbers using certain apps, but business short codes like 31524 work differently. These numbers are registered through official channels specifically for transparency and accountability. That said, scammers can spoof text messages to make them appear to come from legitimate short codes—which is why it’s important to verify unexpected messages before clicking any links.
Is 31524 a scam number?
31524 itself isn’t a scam—it’s Pizza Hut’s legitimate short code. However, there are two concerns. First, Pizza Hut has a documented history of sending unsolicited marketing texts without proper consent, which violates federal law. Second, scammers could theoretically spoof this number to send phishing messages.
Why am I getting Pizza Hut texts if I never signed up?
Several possible reasons. You might have provided your phone number when ordering and inadvertently opted into marketing. Your number could have previously belonged to someone who signed up. Or, as multiple lawsuits allege, Pizza Hut may have sent you messages without proper consent. If you’re certain you never opted in, reply “STOP” and consider filing a complaint with the FTC.
What should I do if “STOP” doesn’t work?
Block the number directly on your device through your messaging app settings. Forward the unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) to notify your carrier. Contact Pizza Hut’s customer service directly and request removal from their SMS list. Document everything with screenshots and dates. Finally, file a formal complaint with the FTC. Pizza Hut’s failure to honor opt-out requests has been the basis of recent lawsuits—and your documentation could support legal action. Users on Reddit have reported the same issue.
Can I get compensation for unwanted Pizza Hut texts?
Potentially, yes. Under the TCPA, you may be entitled to statutory damages if Pizza Hut sent you marketing texts without your consent or continued messaging after you opted out. The law allows recovery of $500 per violation for unintentional breaches and up to $1,500 per violation for willful violations. Pizza Hut has already paid $6 million in a class action settlement related to these issues. If you have documentation proving you received unsolicited texts or that your opt-out requests were ignored, consider consulting with a consumer protection attorney who handles TCPA cases.
