Have you received an unusual message from an unknown number starting with DCB_ASSOCIATION and followed by a random combination of numbers and letters?
Android users frequently experience this issue. In this article, you will find out what the DCB_ASSOCIATION text message is all about and how to stop receiving it.
What Is DCB_ASSOCIATION?
DCB_ASSOCIATION stands for “Direct Carrier Billing” and is a simple online receipt you receive after making a purchase from Google Play Store.
You receive these DCB_ASSOCIATION text messages when you connect your mobile phone number to your Google Play Store account and enable direct billing.
When you subscribe to apps or make in-app purchases, the purchase goes to your mobile phone bill. Direct Carrier Billing (DCB_ASSOCIATION) is a common alternative to credit and debit card billing.
With the Google Play Direct Carrier billing, you can purchase:
- Apps
- Virtual and in-app goods
- Online magazine, e-book, and music streaming subscriptions
- Online games
DCB_ASSOCIATION texts usually look something like this: DCB_ASSOCIATION: AH8BD9DFKFU6BSH4NBCVYTH
How Does DCB_ASSOCIATION Work?
Whenever you purchase an in-app item or subscribe to a service in the Google Play Store, the store will send a text message to your mobile carrier so that the transaction can be processed. The DCB_ASSOCIATION text is a receipt of your purchase.
The message usually starts with DCB_ASSOCIATION or DCB, followed by a random selection of numbers and letters called the authentication hash code (DCB_ASSOCIATION: WU47HFBSKCHOGPTUN).
Your phone processes the code when it receives the message and determines what kind of purchase it was and what Google account it came from. After that, it charges your mobile phone number for processing the transaction.
All DCB payments must be authorized in the Google Play Store app or through in-app purchases.
See also: What is the CQATest app and (Why it’s on your phone?)
Should You Be Worried About DCB_ASSOCIATION Texts?
Because of those random text messages from this unknown sender, you probably may have wondered if your phone was hacked.
DCB_ASSOCIATION text messages are not a scam. You don’t need to worry about them. They are harmless and are usually confirmations of purchase in the Google Play Store app.
However, there are a few exceptions. If you did not authorize a purchase, you might very well be at risk of a security breach, exposing your private data.
It is advisable to change your Google account password immediately. You should also reach out to your mobile carrier to cancel the transaction. For in-depth instructions, here’s how to protect your phone from hackers.
How to Remove DCB_ASSOCIATION Text Message
If you want to opt out of Direct Carrier Billing, you can do so through the Google Play Store App. You can follow these simple steps:
- Open the Google Play Store App on your Android device.
- Click on your Google Account icon at the top right to load the menu.
- Select Payments and Subscription.
- Click on Payment Methods.
- Click on More Payment Settings.
- You will be redirected to the Google Payments Centre in your browser.
- Look for the name of your mobile carrier and click on the Remove button.
You have now stopped DCB_ASSOCIATION (Direct Carrier Billing) messages from your Google Play Store App.
Final Thoughts on DCB_ASSOCIATION
DCB_ASSOCIATION or Direct Carrier Billing is a convenient payment method for purchasing on the Google App Store without sharing your credit card details with third parties.
If you prefer not to receive text messages from DCB_ASSOCIATION, you can follow the steps in this guide.
We hope this helped stop the DCB_ASSOCIATION messages on your Android phone and halt all Direct Carrier Billings.
If you have any feedback or questions, then please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.
