Spam text messages on your phone are irritating. But did you know they can also put your private information at risk? Scammers often try to imitate legitimate companies and get you to click on a link that infects your device with malware.

Why am I getting spam text messages?

There are several potential culprits:

Social media sites track your online activity and may sell your phone number (provided in your profile) to other companies.

• Spammers may tap an Automatic Number Identification system, which records your number when you make calls to 800, 888, or 900 numbers.
• Websites keep your phone number when you sign up for contests, coupons, and rewards, and they could use it to contact you or lose it to scammers after a breach.
• Scam artists use random dialing devices to send texts to working numbers.

Examples of spam text messages that can be harmful

Many spam texts are just annoying junk mail, often sent out in bulk by companies trying to sell you something you don't want.

But another type of spam—text phishing—comes from cybercriminals trying to steal valuable personal information, such as passwords and banking credentials. Either way, there are five warning signs to watch out for.

1. THEY PLAY WITH YOUR EMOTIONS

You might get a message that says the payment was successful for something you didn't buy or even that your sensitive data has been compromised. The goal is to make you react without thinking.

2. THEY URGE YOU TO CLICK ON A LINK

Scammers will often send you a link, hoping that you'll click on it. This link may infect your device with malware, install spyware, or steal your information. If it doesn't, it may take you to a fake site that asks you to voluntarily enter your personal information.

3. THEY ASK YOU TO RESPOND

Real companies send text messages asking you to reply “STOP" to no longer receive alerts. Cyberthieves have emulated this tactic to find out whether your number works so they can send you more messages.

4. THEY DON'T USE YOUR NAME

If you have an account with a company, charity, or organization, you will probably receive personalized texts. Scammers sending phishing messages likely don't know your name. Instead, they'll use a generic greeting like “Hello," “Dear Customer," or “Dear Member."

5. THEY USE INCORRECT GRAMMAR

Established companies and organizations have teams dedicated to proofreading emails, so incorrect punctuation, grammar, or spelling should be a warning sign.

What to do when you receive a suspicious spam text message

There are three critical rules to follow when it comes to spam:

1. Never click on a link from a suspicious text or an unfamiliar number.
2. Never reply to the message, which would confirm that your number is active.
3. Take a screenshot of the message so you can report it to the proper authorities, then block the number. Not sure how to do either? We'll show you.

How to report spam or scam text messages

You may not respond to spam or fall for a phishing attack, but others might. You can help by reporting them to the right entities. Here's what to do:

• Tell your carrier: It's simple. Forward the suspicious message to 7726 (SPAM).
• Tell the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Head to the FTC's reporting website so they can add the suspected scammer's number to a list of known fraudsters.

How to stop spam text messages

Both iPhone and Android devices have the ability to stop or block unwanted calls and texts. Here is how to get started:

HOW TO STOP SPAM TEXT MESSAGES ON IPHONE:

Open the Messages app. Go to the unwanted text and tap the profile photo or icon at the top. Tap info, then tap info again on the next screen. Finally, select Block this Caller, then Block Contact.