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How to stop annoying spam messages

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In the modern world, our phones are almost always in arm’s reach. While phones are a great tool for connecting with friends, family, and work, they can also lead to annoying text messages constantly interrupting your day. These messages aren’t just irritating, either. They can also be harmful, exposing you to scams and fraud. Verizon Security Advisor experts are always here to help if you run into issues with your device, but the best option is to avoid them altogether. So if you’re tired of dealing with unwanted texts, keep reading for tips on how to recognize harmful messages, take action when you receive one, and block spam texts on your iPhone or Android device. 


Why am I getting spam text messages? 

Spam text messages often find their way to your phone for a variety of reasons. Here are a few common causes: 


  1. Publicly available information: Your phone number may be publicly available through online directories, social media profiles, or other services, making it easy for spammers to find and target you. 

  2. Data breaches: If a company you’ve shared your number with has experienced a data breach, your information could end up in the hands of scammers who use it to send spam texts. 

  3. Random number generation: Some spammers use software to randomly generate phone numbers, hoping to reach a valid one. Even if you’ve never shared your number publicly, you might still get spam texts through this method. 

  4. Shared contact lists: If a friend or company you’ve interacted with sells or shares their contact lists, your number might end up in the hands of marketers or scammers who send spam texts. 


Understanding why you’re getting these messages can help you take steps to protect your information and reduce the likelihood of receiving spam texts in the future. 


4 signs a text message could be harmful 

Spam texts often come disguised as legitimate messages, making it essential to recognize the signs that something might be off. Here are four red flags to watch out for: 


  1. You don’t recognize the number. If you receive a text from a number you don’t recognize or an email-like address instead of a standard phone number, proceed with caution. Scammers often use random or spoofed numbers to trick you. 

  2. There’s a link in the message. Be especially wary if the message includes a link that looks shortened or unusual. Clicking on these links can lead to phishing websites or cause harmful malware to be downloaded onto your device. 

  3. The message creates a sense of urgency or pressure. Scammers often try to push you into immediate action. If a text claims you need to act fast to avoid a penalty or claim a reward, it’s likely a scam. 

  4. It sounds too good to be true. Promising huge rewards, free gifts, or easy money are classic tactics used by scammers to lure you in. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. 

4 things to do when you receive a scam text 

Receiving a spam text can be unsettling. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. 


  1. Don’t respond: Avoid replying to the message, even if it says to text “STOP” to unsubscribe. Responding can confirm to the scammer that your number is active, leading to more spam. 
  2. Don’t click on links: As tempting as it might be to see where a link leads, resist the urge to click. These links can lead to phishing sites or automatically download malware to your device. 

  3. Delete the message: After taking note of the sender and content, delete the message. There’s no need to keep it on your phone, and it reduces the risk of accidentally clicking on any links. 

  4. Report the spam: Reporting spam texts can help authorities crack down on scammers and reduce the number of unwanted messages. You can report spam texts to your mobile carrier or a government agency. 



Blocking spam texts 

If you’re a Verizon Mobile Protect subscriber, you receive Call Filter Plus as an included benefit. Call Filter is a downloadable application, and the easiest, best way for Verizon users to screen and automatically block incoming spam calls or text messages. Enhancements were made recently to Call Filter, using the full 10-digit telephone number to help you recognize who is texting you. This helps prevent spammers from using personal messaging platforms for spam or phishing attacks.  


Call Filter Plus has all the screening and blocking features available with the standard Verizon Call Filter App. It also includes an additional Caller ID feature that can put a name to Unknown Callers, plus spam and risk meters so you can make threat assessments in real-time. Learn more about Verizon Call Filter Plus here. 


How to block spam texts on iPhone 

If you’re an iPhone user, blocking spam texts is straightforward. 


  1. Open the Messages app: Go to the message you want to block. 
  2. Tap on the sender’s name or number: At the top of the message thread, tap on the contact name or number. 
  3. Tap “Info”: This will open the contact’s details. 
  4. Scroll down and tap “Block this caller”: Confirm that you want to block the number. 


Once blocked, you won’t receive any more messages or calls from that number. The sender won’t be notified that they’ve been blocked. 


How to block spam texts on Android 

Blocking spam texts on Android devices varies slightly depending on your phone model and messaging app, but here’s a general guide: 


  1. Open the Messages app: Navigate to the message you wish to block. 

  2. Tap and hold the message: A menu should appear with different options. 

  3. Tap “Block” or “Report spam”: Depending on your phone, you may need to select “Block” or“Report Spam.” Some devices combine these options into one. 

  4. Confirm and finalize: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm that you want to block the number. 


Blocking a number will prevent any future messages or calls from reaching you. You may also have the option to report the number as spam when blocking it. 

Spam texts are a frustrating part of modern communication, but by staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself from these unwanted messages. Recognize the warning signs, report suspicious texts, and block persistent spammers on your device for a cleaner, safer texting experience.

Have more questions? We’re here to help! Call or chat with a Verizon Security Advisor expert today.  

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