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How to Block Spam Text Messages

Published: November 29, 2022

How to Block Spam Text Messages

We are all used to robocalls and spam in our emails— now scammers are targeting another form of communication: text messages.

Scammers use spam texts to fool people into giving personal information such as passwords, account numbers, and Social Security numbers. They may send a fake bank alert through text requesting information in order to authorize a transaction or fix an account problem. From there, they either use this information to gain access to your actual financial accounts or sell the information to other scammers.

If you receive a text you suspect might be fake, play it safe and don’t interact with it at all. If you think a text might be legitimate, instead contact the company directly using a phone number or website you know to be valid, not the information in the text.

  • Do not respond to suspicious texts, even if the message requests that you "text STOP" to end messages.
  • Do not click on any links you receive in texts.
  • Do not provide any information via text or website.

Block Spam Text Messages

While you may not be able to stop these unwanted messages entirely, putting a few measures in place will reduce the amount of spam you receive.

Most phones have a setting to automatically filter or block spam or messages from unknown senders. Here’s how to filter and block messages on an iPhone and how to block a phone number on an Android phone.

According to  CTIA.org (the official website of the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association), these major wireless providers offer various tools and services to help block or flag unwanted calls: 

Additionally, the FTC recommends the following security measures:

  • Update your smart device OS and security apps. 
  • Consider installing anti-malware software.

Report Scam Texts to the FTC or FCC:

  • Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future.
  • Report scam texts to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • Delete all suspicious texts from your phone.

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