What causes 'send failure' of some SMS texts?

avoidtheupsidedownbottles

Paypal texted me to confirm a 3-figure payment, requesting I text back '1' to verify the transaction.  
However, when I do, it just gives 'send failure' and 'not delivered'.  
Any idea what the problem is please?  The paypal number is a 6-figure one.

dan958

Depending on the transaction/activity we’ll send you one of 2 texts. We may send you a text asking you to confirm your activity (by replying 1 for yes or 2 for no). Or, we’ll send a text with a 6-digit code that you’ll need to enter on the screen.  The code is in the body of the text and not the 725-729 from PayPal number.
https://www.paypal.com/uk/smarthelp/article/why-am-i-being-asked-to-complete-a-security-check--faq3567

If they sent you a 6 digit code, you will need to enter it on the website, not reply back.

avoidtheupsidedownbottles

Sorry, I confused the issue there -- I meant the number they texted from was a 6-digit one.  But it isn't, it's a five digit number beginning 622 ..

Chino

avoidtheupsidedownbottles said:

it's a five digit number beginning 622 ..

...and ending 26 presumably.

https://www.paypal-community.com/t5/PayPal-Basics/Can-t-reply-to-62226/td-p/1428915

Stompa

avoidtheupsidedownbottles said:

Sorry, I confused the issue there -- I meant the number they texted from was a 6-digit one.  But it isn't, it's a five digit number beginning 622 ..

Are you with plusnet mobile by any chance?
https://community.plus.net/t5/Mobile/Cannot-send-SMS-to-PayPal-62226/m-p/1592172#M11447

avoidtheupsidedownbottles

Ah, thank you.  So it is because there is a charge for the reply text, which is not covered by normal text costs.
Someone there says their transaction went through anyway, so I'll risk sitting on my hands and see what happens.  Cheers.

avoidtheupsidedownbottles

Well the payment has gone through okay so it seems this is just an extra income stream for Paypal (as though they don't skim enough already ...)