How to Avoid Scam Text Messages
Posted on April 19, 2022 by Charlotte Shuff
Tags, Telecommunications
Each day, people across Oregon receive spam text messages. But what can you do about them? In this blog, we will discuss how to identify spam texts, how to report a spam text, and tools to reduce the number of unwanted texts you receive.
Identifying Spam Texts
If you receive a message from a number you don’t recognize, take caution. Even if the message refers to you by name, it may still be a robotext (not sent from an individual person). These messages often include a link to a website.
It might be a spam text if:
- It’s from a number you don’t recognize
- It includes a link to a website
- It asks you to spend money or visit a website
- It is claiming to be from a government agency
It is important to remember that government agencies like the IRS, police departments, or other law enforcement will not text you. Unless you have explicitly asked a government agency to text you (ex: jury duty reminder), they will not initiate a text to you. If you are unsure if it is a scam, call the agency directly from the number listed on their website.
Companies are also required to ask for your permission to text you. If you have not given your permission, the text is spam. If you are receiving unwanted solicitation text messages, you can block the sender and report the message (more info below).
Most importantly, do not click on a link from or respond to a text sent by an unfamiliar sender. Clicking on a link from a spam text could open you up to a virus. Responding could increase the number of new spam messages you receive.
Reporting Spam Text Messages
Reporting spam text messages is easy and can be done from your mobile phone.
Report texting scam attempts to your wireless service provider by forwarding unwanted texts to 7726 (or “SPAM”). This number can be used for any message asking you to click a link, requests for money, or requests for you to share personal information.
More information on how to forward a text message: for Apple users or for Android users
You can also report a number to the FCC here. To file this report, you are required to have an email address. You can submit more information about the type of messages, the frequency of messages from a number, and attach files documenting the spam.
Reducing Unwanted Texts
Preventing Texts
Preventing your number from getting into the hands of scammers is the first step to avoiding unwanted messages. Be careful who you give your information to, especially to anyone trying to sell you something. If a business requires your phone number, check their privacy policy to make sure they will not sell your information. In general, avoid entering your phone number into online forms. Do not post private information in online spaces (social media, online forums, etc.)
If you are already receiving spam text messages, you can control how much you have to see. If you are a smartphone user, you can filter out texts from unknown numbers.
Blocking Numbers
If you are already receiving messages, you can block individual phone numbers on your phone. This will stop all future contact from that number. The downside is that scammers typically use many different numbers to contact you. Blocking individual numbers will likely not decrease the overall number of messages you’re receiving.
More information on how to block a number: for Apple users or for Android users
Filtering Messages
To really reduce the number of spam texts you’re seeing, you can filter out messages from unknown numbers. This is similar to having a spam folder in your email account.
For Android users, go to Settings > Spam Protection. This will change your settings so any suspected spam will come with a warning message.
For iPhone users, you can send unknown numbers to a separate inbox. This will move any text from someone outside your contact list to a different folder in Messages. To set up this feature, go to Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders.
More information on how to filter texts: for Apple users or for Android users
Third-Party Spam Tools
If you are still receiving more spam messages than you would like, you can use spam blocking tools. Most phone companies have tools for preventing spam texts from reaching you. There are also apps and services you can use to screen incoming calls for robotexts. You can find more information about these services here.
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04/19/22 | 0 Comments | How to Avoid Scam Text Messages