It's a known issue and they are working on it.
http://newtoy.zendesk.com/entries/20206222-chats-in-words-hanging-and-chess-with-friends-not-sending-receiving
You should be able to read the message if you are not logged on. But I logged on (email address and password), and reported this problem. It takes a few days but I received a reply with the link to my reply, which contained the above link. I've used the site before. It's reassuring to get a reply and know that others are having the same problem... and of course that they are working on it. Bookmark the site on your iPhone or whichever device you're using to play the game. You can submit any problems you're having from your device, or you can go on the website from your computer.