Question:

Why do I receive OTP messages from unknown numbers with irrelevant content when I use my OnePlus 8 phone to log into apps that require phone verification?

For example, I tried to log into bumble and entered my phone number for OTP. Instead of receiving the OTP from bumble, I got a message from a different number that said: “Receipt with Tow OTP is 584137, Vehicle No AB, Amount Rs: 4.1 is successfully generated by the on User GMDA”. I was able to log into my bumble account after entering the OTP, but I am confused and concerned about this situation. Is this a security issue or a bug? How can I prevent this from happening again?

Answer:

One-time passwords (OTPs) are commonly used to verify the identity of a user who wants to access a service or an app. Usually, the OTP is sent by the service provider to the user’s registered phone number via SMS or voice call. The user then enters the OTP on the app or website to complete the login process.

However, some OnePlus 8 users have reported a strange issue where they receive OTP messages from random numbers with random messages that have nothing to do with the app they are trying to log into. For example, one user tried to log into bumble and entered his phone number for OTP. Instead of receiving the OTP from bumble, he got a message from a different number that said: “Receipt with Tow OTP is 584137, Vehicle No AB, Amount Rs: 4.1 is successfully generated by the on User GMDA”. He was able to log into his bumble account after entering the OTP, but he was confused and concerned about this situation.

Is this a security issue or a bug? How can this be prevented from happening again?

The possible causes and solutions

There are several possible explanations for why this issue occurs and how it can be resolved. Here are some of them:

• A glitch in the OnePlus messaging app: Some users have suggested that this issue is caused by a glitch in the OnePlus messaging app, which is the default SMS app for OnePlus phones. The app may be misinterpreting the sender ID of the OTP messages and displaying a different number instead. This may also explain why the messages have irrelevant content, as they may be from previous conversations or spam messages that the app has stored. To fix this, users can try clearing the cache and data of the messaging app, or switching to a different SMS app, such as Google Messages or Textra.
• A problem with the network operator or the service provider: Another possibility is that this issue is caused by a problem with the network operator or the service provider that sends the OTP messages. There may be some technical errors or delays in the transmission of the messages, which may result in the wrong number or content being displayed. To fix this, users can try contacting their network operator or the service provider and reporting the issue. They can also try using a different SIM card or a different phone number to receive the OTP messages.
• A malicious attack or a phishing attempt: The most serious possibility is that this issue is caused by a malicious attack or a phishing attempt by someone who wants to gain access to the user’s account or personal information. The attacker may be sending fake OTP messages to the user’s phone number, hoping that the user will enter the OTP on the app or website without verifying the sender or the content. This way, the attacker can hijack the user’s account or steal the user’s data. To prevent this, users should always check the sender and the content of the OTP messages before entering them on the app or website. They should also avoid clicking on any links or attachments in the messages, as they may lead to malicious websites or malware. They should also use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for their accounts, if possible.

The conclusion

Receiving

OTP messages from unknown numbers with irrelevant content can be a frustrating and alarming experience for OnePlus 8 users who want to log into apps that require phone verification. The issue may be caused by various factors, such as a glitch in the messaging app, a problem with the network operator or the service provider, or a malicious attack or a phishing attempt. Users can try different solutions to fix or prevent the issue, such as clearing the cache and data of the messaging app, switching to a different SMS app, contacting their network operator or the service provider, using a different SIM card or a different phone number, checking the sender and the content of the OTP messages, avoiding clicking on any links or attachments in the messages, using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication for their accounts. By following these steps, users can hopefully enjoy a smooth and secure login process with their OnePlus 8 phones.