Hackers and scammers can adapt their tactics no matter how advanced or secure a communication channel becomes. When it comes to spam texts, they’ve found ways to make them seem like they came from a legitimate source. This has made it much harder to report SMS spam.
People easily fall under the trap of freebies, prizes, and family emergencies. Hackers come prepared with relevant information to make it seem like they know you. Therefore, learning to identify spam text messages is always the first step to reporting them.
If that’s your goal for today, this is the perfect place to start. Explore what spam messages are and how to recognize and block them!
What Is a Spam SMS?
A spam SMS is any unwanted text scammers, or advertisers send you for ads, scams, or phishing attempts. These are typically automated bulk messages you didn’t give permission to receive. Some examples would include:
- Unwanted promotions or ads
- Fake offers or contests
- Phishing attempts to steal personal information
- Malicious links that lead to scams or malware
However, this doesn’t mean all SMS marketing messages are spam. It all depends on your consent. Businesses often use automation technology to send an autodialed text message to many customers simultaneously. But they won’t be spam if you’ve opted to receive marketing texts from a particular brand.
How To Recognize a Malicious or Spam Text
Recognizing a malicious or spam text starts with focusing on the sender’s number and the message. An abnormally long number is a clear giveaway that the sender is a scammer. You can even put the number in specific forums to learn whether it’s a scam.
Another thing to look out for is grammar and spelling mistakes. A legitimate company won’t be careless to make such mistakes. Some people even pretend to be banks or financial institutions asking for personal information. They might say they want to refund your money or that your transaction has an issue.
People also use family emergencies to create a psychological impact. They might pose as a distant relative in need of help. Such messages often have an urgent tone, so look out for that. In case of doubt, contact the relative or financial company and confirm the situation.
How To Report Spam SMS: 4 Effective Ways To Protect Your Device
According to Robotext, there’s been an 18% increase in spam texts from the first half of 2022. People easily fall under this trap, even with the awareness of unwanted text messages. For example, they click on links in hopes of redeeming rewards, thinking it’s a legitimate enterprise commercial text message.
As a result, they end up with malicious software on their device or stolen money. The best way to avoid this is to report or block the spammers. So, let’s learn how to report spam SMS in four effective ways.
1. Forward the Text to 7726
The first method to report a spam message is to forward it to 7726, which spells SPAM. The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) designated this number for spam messages. You won’t even have to pay anything extra for this text.
So, if you suspect a spam message, forward it to 7726 using your phone’s forward functionality.
You can also copy the message, open a new chat box with 7726, and paste it there before sending it. This method has the same effect as the forwarding method.
2. Use the FTC Website To Report the Text
Government agencies have ways to make it easy for you to report spam texts and keep yourself safe. One such agency is the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
You must visit the FTC’s Fraud Reporting Website to report a text. Once there, you’ll see a Report Now button. Clicking on it will display some questions on the screen.
Choose the relevant answers and submit the form. As soon as the FTC receives your report, they’ll investigate the issue and take the appropriate action.
3. How To Report SMS Spam iPhone or Android Using the Messaging App
Whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone, your messaging app will have a feature to report spam texts. You can even set different filters on your phone. However, be aware that it is possible to avoid spam filters for third parties.
This will also help stop a phishing message before it even reaches your phone. However, this isn’t possible on all phones. So, check if you have this ability by exploring the messaging app. With that said, here’s how to report SMS spam iPhone or Android.
You can either report the message as junk or block the sender on an iPhone. Both have the same effect — you won’t receive messages from that number again.
Alternatively, you can block the number on an Android phone. Doing so will open a dialog box asking if the message is spam. Simply check the box to report it.
4. Add Your Number to FTC’s Do Not Call Registry
Apart from taking spam reports, FTC also offers a Do Not Call registry that you can use to avoid scam texts. Adding your number to this directory will stop all telemarketing and unwanted messages and calls.
You can do this by visiting the National Do Not Call Registry website. Click Register Your Phone and then Verify Here. Next, follow the instructions on the screen and click Register to finish.
However, if you want to receive messages from legitimate companies, it would be best to use one of the other methods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reporting Spam Texts
Now that you know how to recognize and report spam texts, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions.
Can I report SMS spam to ATT?
Yes, you can report SMS spam to ATT in three different ways. The simplest method is to forward the message to 7726 without extra cost.
You can also use the AT&T ActiveArmor app to prevent threats. Lastly, you can complete the form on their website to report the text.
How do I stop spam SMS messages?
You can stop spam SMS messages by reporting suspicious text messages or blocking the sender. Many mobile phones allow you to set certain filters. You can also use this feature to filter out spam SMS.
Another option would be to add your cell phone number to the Do Not Call registry by FTC.
Why am I suddenly getting spam SMS?
If scammers get a hold of your number using technology, you might suddenly receive spam SMS. These people usually generate automated numbers in hopes of stealing from people.
They can also get your number if they buy a contact list from data brokers or other unauthorized sources.
Be Mindful of Spam Texts To Protect Your Data and Privacy
There’s a reason why government agencies encourage you to report SMS spam. Carelessness around these texts can cause damage, including exposing your personal information or falling victim to fraud.
Be mindful when navigating SMS spam. Don’t reply to these texts or click on suspicious links. Instead, report the text using one of the ways mentioned in this article.
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