Getting SMS meant for the previous owner of your number?
Recycled numbers keep receiving messages for their old owner: bank OTPs, delivery updates, login codes. You cannot contact that person — but the company that sent the SMS can. Tell the sender, and they will unlink the number and reach their customer through email or their app.
First, three rules
- Never use, enter or forward an OTP you did not request — for anyone, ever.
- Never tap links inside unexpected SMS. Go to the official app or website yourself.
- Never try to identify or contact the previous owner. The sender will do it safely.
Who sent the SMS?
DBS / POSBshow
How to reach them
Use in-app chat in digibank, or the DBS hotline 1800 111 1111. Mention "recycled mobile number" and ask them to de-link it and inform the previous customer.
DBS contact pageMessage you can paste
Hi DBS, I recently got a recycled mobile number and I am receiving SMS from you intended for its previous owner. I am not your customer on this number. Please unlink this number from the account it is attached to and notify the account holder through their other contact details (email or app) so they can update their records. I have not used any OTP or link sent to this number.
OCBCshow
How to reach them
OCBC app chat or hotline 1800 363 3333. If PayNow registration clashes on your new number, tell them — banks coordinate to release the old proxy.
OCBC contact pageMessage you can paste
Hi OCBC, I recently got a recycled mobile number and I am receiving SMS from you intended for its previous owner. I am not your customer on this number. Please unlink this number from the account it is attached to and notify the account holder through their other contact details (email or app) so they can update their records. I have not used any OTP or link sent to this number.
UOBshow
Message you can paste
Hi UOB, I recently got a recycled mobile number and I am receiving SMS from you intended for its previous owner. I am not your customer on this number. Please unlink this number from the account it is attached to and notify the account holder through their other contact details (email or app) so they can update their records. I have not used any OTP or link sent to this number.
Government (gov.sg / Singpass / agency SMS)show
How to reach them
Do not tap links in the SMS. Contact the agency through its official website. For Singpass-related SMS, use the Singpass helpdesk (+65 6335 3533).
Singpass contactMessage you can paste
Hi the agency, I recently got a recycled mobile number and I am receiving SMS from you intended for its previous owner. I am not your customer on this number. Please unlink this number from the account it is attached to and notify the account holder through their other contact details (email or app) so they can update their records. I have not used any OTP or link sent to this number.
Grabshow
How to reach them
Grab app → Account → Help Centre → report an account issue. Say the number was reassigned to you so they can flag the old account.
Grab help centreMessage you can paste
Hi Grab, I recently got a recycled mobile number and I am receiving SMS from you intended for its previous owner. I am not your customer on this number. Please unlink this number from the account it is attached to and notify the account holder through their other contact details (email or app) so they can update their records. I have not used any OTP or link sent to this number.
Googleshow
How to reach them
You cannot email Google support directly. If Google SMS arrive, the previous owner listed this number for recovery — codes are useless to them without more factors. Never share or use the codes.
Google account helpMessage you can paste
Hi Google, I recently got a recycled mobile number and I am receiving SMS from you intended for its previous owner. I am not your customer on this number. Please unlink this number from the account it is attached to and notify the account holder through their other contact details (email or app) so they can update their records. I have not used any OTP or link sent to this number.
Shopee / Lazadashow
How to reach them
In-app chat support. Ask them to unlink the number from the previous account so you can register it on yours.
Shopee helpMessage you can paste
Hi Shopee/Lazada, I recently got a recycled mobile number and I am receiving SMS from you intended for its previous owner. I am not your customer on this number. Please unlink this number from the account it is attached to and notify the account holder through their other contact details (email or app) so they can update their records. I have not used any OTP or link sent to this number.
WhatsApp / Telegram verification codesshow
How to reach them
Ignore the code — someone may be trying to register the old owner’s account, or the old owner is trying to recover it. Never enter or forward a code. If you want the number for yourself, register normally in the app; WhatsApp purges old profile data after about 45 days of inactivity plus new-device activation.
WhatsApp: recycled numbersMessage you can paste
No report needed. Never enter, share or forward a verification code that you did not request — codes are how accounts get stolen.
Looks like a scamshow
How to reach them
Report via the ScamShield app or call the ScamShield helpline 1799. Do not reply to the SMS.
ScamShieldMessage you can paste
Report through ScamShield instead of replying. Replying confirms your number is live and attracts more scams.
Any other companyshow
How to reach them
Find the official support channel from the company website (not from the SMS). Send them the message below.
Message you can paste
Hi there, I recently got a recycled mobile number and I am receiving SMS from you intended for its previous owner. I am not your customer on this number. Please unlink this number from the account it is attached to and notify the account holder through their other contact details (email or app) so they can update their records. I have not used any OTP or link sent to this number.
Why this works
Banks and apps do not know a number changed hands until someone tells them — MAS has said exactly this about PayNow. Once you report it, the sender can unlink your number and contact their customer through the details they already hold. You helped the previous owner without ever knowing who they are.
Each sender you report is also one less stream of misdirected SMS on your new number.