Are you one of the unlucky Hudson Valley residents with a "new" phone number that seems to cause more headaches than it solves?

If so, you might want to read this before you try signing up for PayPal, Cash App, or even setting up your utility accounts.

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Let’s start with a relatable nightmare: You’re adding your phone number to PayPal, expecting everything to go smoothly. But instead, you get hit with:

“Please enter a valid number.”

Excuse me? Isn’t this exactly what the phone company gave me?

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No valid number means no account setup. No account setup means—yep, no money.

You’re not alone in this mess. One frustrated Redditor shared their story about registering for utility services with Mid Hudson Gas & Electric:

"I tried registering my number, and the site just kept saying it wasn’t valid. I ended up having to call them to set up my account!"

So, why is this happening? The issue lies in outdated databases. Even in 2025, not every website or service recognizes specific phone numbers as "real." And here’s the kicker: This problem is hitting folks with one particular new area code.

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Now imagine trying to navigate life with a phone number that feels invisible. These users are battling customer service reps, jumping through hoops, and, most importantly, waiting for the internet to catch up.

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The culprit? 329.

That’s right, the shiny new 329 area code, introduced to relieve the 845 region’s number shortage, has turned into a digital nightmare for many Hudson Valley residents. It’s not just PayPal or Cash App that’s tripping up—it’s a whole range of services, from local utilities to online platforms.

@callmeoceanman Also just talking about geographic area codes so no 8xx numbers #geography #us #newyork ♬ original sound - CallMeOceanMan

If you’re rocking those fresh digits, make sure to double-check your accounts, keep an eye on your payments, and brace yourself for a few frustrating conversations.

And who knows? Maybe the internet will finally catch up with 329 in time for 2026!

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