How To Block Text Messages

How to Block Text Messages: A Comprehensive Guide to Blocking Spam Messages

Today is your lucky day if you were wondering how to block text messages on iPhone or Android. We have great material that will help you out with that, below. We hear you. In our increasingly connected world, spam has infiltrated our pockets, reaching us anywhere, anytime.

The average American receives 41 spam texts every month. This means more than constant annoyance. Spam messages expose you to some serious risks leading to many text message scams. Fortunately, our mobile devices aren't entirely defenseless.

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In this article, we'll explain why blocking spam text messages is crucial and how to do this on both iOS and Android phones.

Why You Receive Spam Messages

The simple answer is that your phone number is exposed. But there are various reasons for why and how that might have happened. You could have listed your phone on your social media accounts, replied to spam messages in the past, or called a toll-free number. It could also be due to data collection.

Some data brokers scrape the internet for your personal information and then sell it online to third parties such as marketers, insurance companies, and possibly even fraudsters.

How To Block Spam Texts On An iPhone

Here are the steps:

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone and then the message from the number you want to block.
2. Tap the number or contact name at the top of the conversation.
3. Tap “Info.”
4. Tap “Block this Caller.”

How To Block Spam Texts On An Android

Here are the steps:

1. Open the Messages app on your Android phone.
2. Tap and hold the message from the number you want to block until you see the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of your screen.
3. Tap the menu icon and then “block.”
4. Check the box to report spam.
5. Confirm your choice.

Note: The process may vary slightly depending on the Android phone.

How To Block Texts Using Your Carrier

Most carriers also offer options such as AT&T's Secure Family, Verizon's Block Calls & Messages, and T-Mobile's Message Blocking to block spam messages directly with them. The exact steps to use these features will vary, but you can find out if your mobile carrier offers this option and how to use it by calling their customer support team. Just let them know your number, that you're receiving spam messages, and follow their instructions.

How To Keep Spammers From Getting Your Phone Number

Another great way to deal with spam texts is prevention. Spammers can't spam your phone if they don't have your phone number. Unfortunately, your phone number is likely available for a small price on dozens (if not hundreds) of data brokers, and people search sites.

Thankfully, you can request these websites to remove your personal information. It may take a while to track down each one and follow their opt-out procedures. Or you can try a data removal service. For example, Incogni automatically sends opt-out requests on your behalf to data brokers, and people search sites. Get a 1-year subscription at 50% off HERE and let Incogni keep your phone number and other personal information private.

Aside from being a nuisance, here are some of the biggest dangers associated with spam texts:

Financial Fraud

Some spam messages might offer fake investment opportunities, lottery winnings, or promises of quick financial gains. These scams aim to trick you into giving money, bank account details, or other personal information. Engaging with them can result in financial losses or even theft of funds.

Spam messages can still be dangerous even if you don't think you'd fall for these tricks. You might accidentally open the wrong message, follow a link, or download something. You might even be tempted to respond to a scammer, which would only let them know that your phone number is active, leading to more attacks coming your way.

Phishing Scams

Some spam text messages are designed to trick you into revealing your personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers. Falling victim to such scams can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or unauthorized access to your personal accounts.

Malware

Spam text messages may contain malicious links or attachments, which can install malware on your device if you click on or open them.

The best solution is to block all spam immediately.

How To Report a Scam Text Message

Let your close family and online friends know about this article. Feel free to share this page if it was helpful. Meanwhile, you can report scammers and any other suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) using the portal below:

Report To The FTC Here

How To Protect Yourself More

If you want to be amongst the first to receive notifications about the most notorious scams every week, subscribe to our Scam Detector newsletter. You will receive periodic emails from us with insightful tips. That will include how to prevent fraud and information about the newest tools you can use to fight crime.

Meanwhile, feel free to educate yourself with some other similar fraud-related articles. They are listed under this paragraph, so that you know more about online security. Last but not least, if you have any bad experiences, make sure to use the comments section below to expose other scammers.

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