20 cent premium SMS charge to Shortcode 3876

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Linux

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#323183 4-Nov-2025 07:40

I just noticed that I have a 20 cent premium SMS charge sent to 3876 - 3/11 - So I Googled the Short code and it is for

' Google Device Verification SMS '

In New Zealand, the short code 3876 is used for Google Device Verification SMS Alerts. This service is a legitimate premium text service used by Google to send verification codes or other alerts related to your device or account security.

Messages sent to or received from this number may incur a small charge, typically around $0.20 per text, depending on your mobile carrier and plan

Then when thinking about it I went and converted by Physical SIM to a eSIM on my Samsung S25+ so this must of triggered the 20 cent charge

This is just a FYI if others see this charge and what could of triggered the charge

hhan

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#3430651 4-Nov-2025 09:31

That is exactly why I stay away from post-pay.

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#3430652 4-Nov-2025 09:32

@hhan odd comment when it could happen on Prepaid as well

nzkc

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#3430654 4-Nov-2025 09:43

Messages sent to or received from this number may incur a small charge, typically around $0.20 per text, depending on your mobile carrier and plan

Not sure I agree with this...

Why should I pay for someone else to send me messages? Potentially someone could bankrupt someone else here - in a massively extreme case. Sure the provider would probably wave the fees in that case. However; it'd be easy to ramp up $20 or more of fees.

robjg63

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#3430674 4-Nov-2025 10:20

It's a little like those texts from appointment reminders etc where you have to text a "Y" to confirm - some of those charge 20c to send - Some don't.

Agree it could be a problem if it cost you 20c every time to receive though - someone has a licence to use your money!

One would hope that Google would recognise if you have RCS set up for your text messaging and send/receive verification via that - Surely that should be free?

You do have RCS enabled in your messaging app don't you?

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

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#3430685 4-Nov-2025 10:30

The charge is only if you send a TXT to that number. Not to receive a TXT from that number.

In New Zealand, there's no such thing as a cost to receive an SMS. Only cost to send SMS depending on what the shortcode provider has chosen.

You can see all current SMS shortcodes from each provider and their associated costs:

If you were charged for an SMS, it would have been because your device sent a reply SMS to the number to verify it received the message.

hhan

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#3430729 4-Nov-2025 12:24

Linux:

@hhan odd comment when it could happen on Prepaid as well

I always zero my balance on prepaid. So that I have the control.

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