They’re about as welcome as robot calls and junk mail — spam text messages.
They show up as unwanted and unexpected text messages on our phone screens. That’s aggravating enough,but it gets worse. Whoever is sending you a spam text message is likely tryingto defraud you.
Most spam text messagesaren’t coming from another phone. They’re often originating from a computer andbeing delivered to your phone — at no cost to the sender — via an email addressor an instant messaging account.
Besides being painfullyannoying, spam texts pose the risk of exposing you toidentity theft, installing malware on yourdevice, and accessing your personal information. It’s illegal to sendunsolicited commercial text messages to a wireless device unless thesender gets your permission, according to the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
Don’t despair. You canreduce unwanted text messages and help prevent them from showing up on yourphone and other mobile devices. Read through this guide to learn the do’s anddon’ts of dealing with spam texts and how to stop spam texts for good.
1. Don’t reply directlyto any spam text message
Directly replying to aspam text message lets a spammer know that your number is genuine. What happensnext? They can sell your phone number to other spammers who might bombard youwith promises of free gifts and product offers.
2. Treat yourpersonal information like it is cash
Spam text messages maylure you into disclosing personal information like how much money you make, howmuch you owe the bank, yourMedicare number and credit card details. Most legitimate companies do not request personal information like passwords,account details, and other personal details via text message.
When in doubt, look upthe company phone number, call them and verify if a legitimate request was made. Don’t call the number sent in the text message.
3. Don’t click on anylinks in the text message
Clicking on a link in aspam text message could installmalwarethat can collect information from your phone. It can take you to spoof sites that look real but are designed to stealyour information. Malware can also slow down your cell phone’s performance bytaking up space on your phone’s memory. Once the spammer has your information,it can be sold to marketers or, worse,identity thieves.
It can also lead to unwantedcharges on your mobile phone bill. Your mobile provider may charge you forreceiving a text message, regardless of whether you requested it.
4. Do review your mobile phone bill regularly
It’s smart to check yourphone bill regularly to make sure it reflects the correct amount. If there arecharges that don’t look right, call the phone company and find out if you’rereceiving or sending spam messages from your phone.
5. Do check your phone’s settings
Your phone probably hasbuilt-in features to help block unwanted calls and text messages. Type in“block” using your device’s search function.
For Android phones, look for the three dots in the top right-hand cornerof your text. Click on it and select “People” and “Options.” Next, select“Block” to stop receiving spam text messages from that number.
For iPhones,click on the “i” in the top right-hand corner of the spam text. Next, click on the number and select “Block.”
6. Do place your mobile phone number on the Do Not Call Registry
Wondering how to stopspam calls? Adding your phone number to ACMA's Do NotCall Registrylets you opt you out of receiving most telemarketing calls.If you receive an unwanted call after your number is on the registry for 31days, you canreport itto the ACMA.
7. Do check to see ifyour mobile phone provider offers a call-blocking service
Most major mobile service providersoffer call-blocking services or plans that let you block phone numbers fromunknown callers for a specific period of time. You can also see if one of thethird-party call-blocking apps and services will work with your provider’swireless service.
Wondering how to block text messages? These call-blocking services or apps can usually block texts as well.
Some third-party callblocking apps* include:
- Hiya
- Robokiller
- Truecaller
8. Do report spam textsto your mobile phone provider
How to stop spam texts through your specific mobile phone provider? Follow the stepsbelow.
How to report spam textmessages toTelstra
Telstra advises that you do not respond to thetext message. Go online and fill out a Misuseof Service form. If Telstra can assist, they will follow up via email.
How to report spam textmessages toVodafone
Vodafone have a variety of options available for reporting spam. You can give them a call on 1300 650 410. You can also email a screenshot of the message to fraud@vodafone.com.au. Vodafone also recommend reporting all scams to ACCC Scamwatch. Visit the Vodafone websitefor more information.
How to report spam textmessages to Optus
Optus requests that users report spam textmessages to ACCC Scamwatch.Visit the Optus websitefor more information.
When it comes to textmessages and security, using a little common sense and making the most of yourphone’s and moble provider’s privacy features can help you handle spam messages moreefficiently. Now you know how to stop spam texts, be sure you are covering allyour bases by taking the necessary precautions tokeep your online activity and identity safe.
* The inclusionof websites, apps, or links does not imply endorsem*nt or support of anycompany, material, product, and/or provider listed herein.
- Clare Stouffer
- Gen employee
Clare Stouffer, a Gen employee, is a writer and editor for the company’s blogs. She covers various topics in cybersecurity.
Editorial note:Our articles provide educational information for you. Our offerings may not cover or protect against every type of crime, fraud, or threat we write about. Our goal is to increase awareness about Cyber Safety. Please review complete Terms during enrollment or setup. Remember that no one can prevent all identity theft or cybercrime, and that LifeLock does not monitor all transactions at all businesses. The Norton and LifeLock brands are part of Gen Digital Inc.
