If you constantly get text notifications from people trying to sell you something, or people who want to offer you deals, you may be a victim of spam texts.
Spam texts are irritating and a waste of time, but unfortunately, there is no one solution to prevent it from happening. However, there are some things that you can do to minimize the number of spam texts that you get.
Do Not Answer Spam Texts
One of the most important things to remember in spam texting is not replying to them. Also, never click on a link within a spam text.
If you are not sure if the text is legitimate or if it is spam, do not reply until you've done your research. This is to ensure that your personal information is protected, as hackers frequently use spam messages to gather your information for illegal purposes.
Active the Spam Filter
iPhones have spam-filtering features that you can activate to help you sort out your texts. To activate Apple's spam blocking, open the "Settings" app and select "Messages." Under "Messages," select "Unknown & Spam." Activate "Filter Unknown Senders."
The spam blocking feature of iPhones are more basic than Androids because it blocks phone numbers that you do not have saved in your contact list and you have not been in contact with before, and this could be an issue because it can affect the numbers that you are expecting a call from, according to The Verge.
Block Specific Texts
When you receive a spam text, you can block that person's number from contacting you again. To do this, open the spam text and choose the user icon located on top of the page, according to Apple.
Next, tap on the "info" icon and choose "Block this Caller." If you wish to report an iMessage that you received as spam, look for the "Report Junk" link under the message, tap it, and choose "Delete" then "Report Junk."
Remember that this does not automatically block the phone number. You need to do that separately.
Forward the Spam Text to 7726
If you are using one of the major telecommunications carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, you can report a spam text by forwarding it to 7726. This may also work with other telecommunications carriers. You can check with your carrier to find out if it is possible.
Those who live in the United Kingdom and are using Ofcom can forward spam texts to 7726, according to PCMag.
Block Spam Texts Using the Carrier's Services
Most carriers offer spam-blocking services for phone calls, which can carry over to spam texts. Carrier sites will give details about free and for-pay security services provided by AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. If you use a different carrier, check their website for more information about it.
Use Third-Party Spam-Blocking Service
If the strategies stated above are not working, you can try using a third-party anti-spam service. You can use RoboKiller for $4.99 a month or $39.99 a year after a 7-day trial. You can also go for Nomorobo for $1.99 a month per device after a 14-day trial.
Take advantage of the trial before you choose the service, so you know which one works for you best.
In 2018, Android released a feature to fight spam messages.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Sophie Webster