588 Area Code – I recently made a group chat with all of my school friends and batchmates to plan for a reunion. Most of us, including me, use the Verizon message+ app.
Some of my friends live and work in other countries, while others, like me, live here.
But something funny happened in the group chat, and there was one contact whose identity was unknown and whose phone number started with 588.
I thought at first that it was the international phone number of one of my school friends, but when he sent a message to the group, I couldn’t chat like I used to.
I’ve also been getting service messages from numbers that start with 588, which worried me because I thought they were spam.
I finally called Verizon’s customer service, and they contacted their technical team to help me figure out what was going on. After a short talk, I realized it wasn’t a big deal.
If you get a text message from the 588 area code, don’t worry about it. This is a code for Verizon users who don’t have the Messaging + app.
Verizon may also use this code to send its customers’ official links and personalized messages.
But not every message from 588 can be trusted. Read on if you want to learn more about messages from area code and how to tell them apart from spam.
Here is everything you need to know about messages sent in area code format.
Receiving a Message from Someone Not Using Messages+
Customers who do not use the Message+ app usually get a 588 code from Verizon.
If you get messages from a phone number that starts with the area code 588, it could be because the sender does not use the Message+ app.
And if you are in a group chat, Verizon will give this code to the people who aren’t using the Message+ app.
Verizon uses this code for Personal Communications Services, which is why this number was given.
Restore the Text Message
When you get text messages from people with the area code 588, your messaging app might stop you from getting to the group messages.
But you don’t need to worry because this is a small problem that can be fixed by restoring the message. Here’s what you need to do.
- Open the Message+ app on your phone as a first step.
- Tap on the stacked lines in the upper left corner of the app.
- A new screen with a menu and a list will show up.
- Choose “Restore Messages” from the list to get the message back.
- After the message is restored, you can send group messages.
Use an Alternate App for Text Messaging
If you’re still having trouble with your group texts, I suggest switching to a different texting app. You can also try taking Message+ off the list of default apps and putting it back on the app you want to use instead.
Receiving a Text Message from Mexico
When you get an international text, the country code is usually at the beginning of the sender’s mobile number.
If the sender is from Mexico, the mobile number’s country code should start with +52 instead of the area code (588).
In a normal situation, you should get international texts like the ones above, but if you see a different country code, it’s because Verizon uses a different PCS.
Receiving a Suspicious Phone Call from the 588 Area Code
You might also get calls from 588, a very strange area code.
If you don’t know who’s calling and you’re not sure if it’s a scam, you should probably not answer the phone. You can also try blocking the number to keep scammers from contacting you.
Receiving a Suspicious Text Message
If you get a suspicious text message from a number you don’t know or from the area code 588, you should report it to Verizon.
Read on to learn how to deal with spam and strange texts.
Block the Sender of a Suspicious Text Message
Telling Verizon’s support team about spam texts is a good way to stop them. Here are the steps to follow when reporting a spam message on Verizon mobile.
- If your message is still on your device, you must avoid responding to it or clicking on any links.
- Forward the text message to shortcode 7726.
- Verizon will respond to your forwarded message by asking you for the information on the “From” address.
- After you enter the “From” address of the spam text listed in the body of your message, you will receive a “Thank You” notification to confirm receipt.
- Verizon will now begin the investigation.
There are a few variations between the messages app and the message+ app, so here’s what you need to report the spam content if you’re using the message+ app.
- Touch and hold the message, and ensure you don’t click text-based links.
- Select “Report Spam” on the new menu option on the display.
- This will delete the message from your device and a notification stating that the message was reported as spam, after which Verizon will investigate.
Alternatively, you can block the text messages by using your online Verizon account, provided that you are the account owner or manager.
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Block the Sender of a Suspicious Text Message on iPhone
If you are an iPhone user, you can block the Sender of the suspicious message by following the steps.
- Go to the Messages conversation and tap on the name at the top.
- Scroll down and then tap “Block this caller.”
You may also check and manage your blocked contacts and phone numbers by going to settings, Messages, and “Blocked Contacts.”
Contact Support
If you still receive text messages with area codes, I recommend contacting Verizon’s support team for assistance. You can also go to a Verizon retail store in your area and ask an agent to assist you with this problem.
Final Thoughts on Messages from the 588 Area Code
As previously stated, the number 588 at the beginning of the mobile number refers to a Verizon Personal Communications Service. This service employs the non-geographic area code 5XX, which is an intriguing feature.
PCS can also send instant messages about your purchases, telecom plans, and so on. Additionally, toll-free lines beginning with 588 are utilized by businesses to give customer service.
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FAQs
How do you tell if a scammer is texting you?
Checking the mobile number is one of the most common ways to spot a scammer. If the mobile number is too long, it is most likely a hoax. Other typical frauds include phony employment offers, phony reimbursements, and so on.
Can someone steal your information through text?
Your information can be stolen if you click on the links or install unlicensed programs with the SMS message.
What is the difference between messages and Messages+?
The difference between messages and Messages+ is that the latter includes extra capabilities such as message archiving, international texting, etc.
Is Message+ free?
The Message+ app is available for free download. However, depending on the data plan, sending and receiving texts via Verizon Message Plus will entail charges.
