How can you get rid of those obnoxious spam text messages?

It's annoying to receive spam text messages on your phone. But did you know they can also jeopardize your personal information? Scammers frequently attempt to resemble reputable businesses in order to get you to click on a link that infects your device with malware.

Photo by https://www.pexels.com/@alex-green/

But don't worry—there are several simple ways to fight back. We make it simple for you to safeguard and get the most out of your technology. 

First of all, let's talk about how we get the spam texts and where they come from!

What is the source of my spam SMS messages?

1st, Your phone number (given in your profile) may be sold to other parties if social media sites track your online activities.

2nd, When you dial 800, 888, or 900 numbers, an Automatic Number Identification system registers your number, which spammers can use.

3rd, When you join up for contests, promotions, or incentives, websites save your phone number, which they may use to contact you or sell to scammers following a data breach.

Scammers send texts to functioning phones using random dialing devices.

 Examples of potentially hazardous spam text messages

Many spam messages are simply obnoxious junk mail delivered in bulk by businesses trying to sell you something you don't want.

Another type of spam, text phishing, is sent by cybercriminals who are attempting to obtain personal information such as passwords and banking credentials.

Either way, there are 5 warning signs to watch out for.

1. THEY USE YOUR EMOTIONS TO THEIR ADVANTAGE.

You may receive a notification stating that a payment for something you didn't purchase was successful, or that your personal information has been hacked. The idea is to get you to react instinctively.

2. THEY INSTRUCT YOU TO CLICK ON A LINK.

Scammers frequently give you a link in the hopes that you will click it. This link has the potential to infect your device with malware, spyware, or steal your personal information. If it doesn't, you can end yourself on a phony website where you're asked to willingly provide personal information.

3. THEY EXPECT YOU TO REPLY

Real businesses will text you and ask you to reply "STOP." "to stop receiving alerts Cybercriminals have copied this strategy to see if your phone number works so they can send you more texts.

4. THEY DO NOT REFER TO YOU BY YOUR FULL NAME

You will almost certainly receive customised texts if you have an account with a corporation, charity, or organization. Phishing mail senders are unlikely to know your name. Instead, they'll say "Hello," "Dear Customer," or "Dear Member," or anything similar."

5. THEY MAKE ERRONEOUS GRAMMAR EXPRESSIONS

Because established businesses and organizations have staff dedicated to editing emails, errors in punctuation, grammar, or spelling should be considered a red flag.

What to do when you receive a suspicious spam text message

1st When it comes to spam, there are three important rules to remember:

2nd Never click on a link in a questionable text message or from an unknown phone number.

3rd Never respond to the message because it will confirm that your phone number is still active.

What to do if you receive spam or a scam text message

Although you may not respond to spam or fall victim to a phishing scam, others may. You may assist by reporting them to the appropriate authorities. 

2nd.Report the suspected scammer to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Go to the FTC's reporting website to have the suspected scammer's phone number added 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.

HOW TO BLOCK SPAM TEXTS ON ANDROID:

The process will vary depending on your phone, but if you're using the Google or Samsung® Messages app, open the message in question, then either open the menu in the top-right corner and tap Details > Block & report spam > OK in the Google app or tap Block number > Block in the Samsung app.