"How to Stop Spam Texts: A Step-by-Step Guide for Taking Control of Your Inbox"

• We all have experienced receiving those annoying multiple spam text messages. Spam texts can expose us to malware, identity theft, and other dangerous threats. Here are some ways to stop spam text messages.

• Although it is illegal to send unsolicited spam or commercial text messages, scammers still attempt to send unwanted texts.

Knowing the Red Flags

• Keep an eye out for these things after receiving a text from an unknown number to determine if it's spam:
  

random & confusing	spam text messages come at us so randomly and the majority of the time they have no connection to what we have going on at the time.
Contains suspicious links	Scammers may trick you into clicking a link within their spam text, hoping to steal your personal information. These links can contain malware.
accompanied by a call	Sometimes scammers will pretend to be a customer service representative and call you. They may be rude and try to make you feel embarrassed. Scammers will use sneaky tactics to get you to reveal sensitive information.

Don't Respond Directly to a Spam text 

• Once you directly reply to a spam message, that lets the spammer know that your number is active. After replying, spammers can then sell your phone number to other spammers. It is always best to block and report the suspicious number.

Block Phone Numbers

• Blocking unknown phone numbers, can ensure that you never receive any spam tests or calls from that specific number again.
  

Block Spam Text Messages on iPhone

1. Tap the phone number at the top of the screen.

2. Press the Info Button.

3. Select "Block This Caller."

4. Press "Block Contact."

Block Spam Text Messages on Android

1. Press the Three-dot at the top right corner of the screen.

2. Select "Block Number" or "Details," then "Block & Report Spam" (depending on your device).

3. Tap "Block & Report Spam."

4. Select "OK."

Remember that spammers utilize various numbers, meaning you could continue to receive spam texts from different phone numbers.

Report phone numbers

• Forward spam messages to '7726' or 'SPAM'. Your mobile carrier will then ask for the spam phone number and launch an investigation.

  • 7726 works for most providers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, & Verizon.

Filter Out Spam Text Messages

• Both iPhones and Android phones have their own spam filters that can be enabled in a few steps. Once enabling your phone's built in spam protection, you then reduce the risk of interacting with a spam text message accidentally.

Filter Spam Texts on iPhones

1. Go to settings.

2. Scroll down to Messages.

3. Turn on "Filter Unknown Senders."

Filter Spam Texts on Android

1. Go to messages and tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner of your screen.

2. Select "Details."

3. Tap "App Settings.:

4. Select "Spam Protection."

5. Turn on "Enable Spam Protection."

Be Careful where you Share

• Always treat your personal information as if your life depends on it because it does. Do not give out your phone number or any other personal information to unknown or untrusted source. This can help reducing the risk of your personal information getting into the wrong hands as well as reducing unwanted texts.