I. Introduction
Spam texts can be a frustrating problem that many of us face on a daily basis. Whether it’s promotional messages, phishing attempts or scams, these unsolicited texts not only clog up our inboxes but can also pose a danger to our personal information. In this article, we will explore tips and tricks on how to stop getting spam texts.
II. Turn on Spam Filters
One of the easiest ways to stop getting spam texts is to enable spam filters. A spam filter is a feature that automatically blocks or moves messages identified as spam to a separate folder.
To enable spam filters on an iPhone, head to ‘Messages’ in Settings and turn on the ‘Filter Unknown Senders’ option. For Android, open the Messages app, tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner, select ‘Settings’, then ‘Blocked Numbers’, and turn on the ‘Spam Protection’ feature.
III. Block Unknown Numbers
Blocking unknown numbers is another way to stop getting spam texts. Spammers often use fake numbers or disguised caller IDs to evade spam filters, so blocking these unknown numbers can help prevent these unwanted messages from appearing in your inbox.
To block numbers on an iPhone, go to ‘Phone’ in Settings, select the ‘Call Blocking & Identification’ option, and add the number you want to block. For Android, open the Phone app, go to ‘Recent Calls’, tap the number you want to block, select ‘Block/report spam’, and confirm.
IV. Don’t Share Your Contact Info Online
Spammers often obtain phone numbers by scraping them from public listings, websites, or social media platforms. Sharing your contact information online can make it easier for spammers to target you with unsolicited texts.
To avoid sharing your phone number online, be cautious when entering your number into online forms. Often, websites will ask for your contact information, but not all of these sites are legitimate. Be sure to read the privacy policies and terms of use before giving away your phone number or any other personal details.
V. (Un)subscribe From Promotional Messages
Promotional messages can be just as annoying as spam texts. The good news is that most promotional messages include an option to unsubscribe. By unsubscribing, you can prevent these companies from sending you any further messages.
To unsubscribe from messages on an iPhone, open the message from the sender, tap ‘Details’, then select ‘Report Junk’ and ‘Unsubscribe’. On Android, open the message, tap the three-dot icon and select ‘Unsubscribe’.
VI. Use Call Blocker Apps
Call blocker apps are a type of software that can be used to block spam callers and texts. These apps work by using a database of known spam numbers or by analyzing the calls and messages received for spam-like characteristics and patterns.
Some popular call blocker apps include Truecaller, Hiya, and Mr. Number. These apps can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play Store and offer features such as spam blocking, caller ID lookup, and community-based spam reporting.
VII. Report Spam Messages
Reporting spam messages to your network provider is another way to combat spam texts. By doing so, network providers can identify patterns of spam activity and take action to prevent it from happening in the future.
To report spam messages on an iPhone, forward the message to 7726 (SPAM). On Android, press and hold the message, tap the ‘Forward’ icon, and send it to 7726 (SPAM).
VIII. Use a Firewall App
A firewall app works in a similar way to a call blocker app but focuses on blocking SMS messages. These apps can analyze incoming texts for suspicious or spam-like patterns and can block messages from numbers that have been flagged as spam.
Some popular firewall apps include SMS Blocking, Privacy Messenger, and SMS Shield. These apps are available for free on the App Store or Google Play Store and work by blocking texts from known spam numbers, contacts, or phrases.
IX. Conclusion
Spam texts can be a nuisance and a threat to your personal information. Fortunately, there are several ways to stop getting spam texts, including turning on spam filters, blocking unknown numbers, avoiding sharing your contact information online, unsubscribing from promotional messages, using call blocker apps, reporting spam messages, and using firewall apps. By taking these steps, you can enjoy a spam-free inbox and protect your privacy.
