Spam SMS messages are unwanted texts that often attempt to steal your personal information or scam you. In this article, you’ll learn how to recognize, block, and protect yourself from such spam SMS messages.

What Are Spam SMS Messages?

Spam SMS messages are unsolicited texts, usually sent from a computer. These messages are often sent in large volumes to random phone numbers in the hope that someone will respond. Spammers send these messages because it’s cheap and easy, and they rely on large numbers to increase their chances of success.

The goal of these spam SMS messages is often to obtain money or personal information. This can range from direct requests for money to attempts to steal your login credentials through phishing. It’s important to understand that spam is illegal, and you must give consent before receiving such messages.

How to Recognize Spam SMS Messages

Recognizing spam SMS messages is crucial to protecting yourself and your personal information. Scammers often use techniques like number spoofing to hide their identity, making it harder to identify them.

Here are some signs to watch for:

  • Long phone numbers, usually more than ten digits, should be considered suspicious.
  • Unknown senders asking for personal information.
  • SMS messages with urgent requests or threats.
  • Poorly written texts with spelling or grammatical errors.

Always be cautious with SMS messages that promise unbelievable offers or prizes; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into the specific characteristics of suspicious senders, false claims, and unknown phone numbers.

Suspicious Senders

One of the first signs of a suspicious SMS message is the sender. Scammers can spoof SMS messages to make them appear as if they’re from a trusted entity, such as your bank or a government agency. If you receive an SMS from a sender you don’t recognize or if the message seems irrelevant to you, be alert; it’s likely a scam.

Another key characteristic of a suspicious sender is an SMS with a link. Here are some tips to stay safe:

  • Never click on these links, as they may redirect you to malicious websites that steal your personal information or infect your phone with malware.
  • Do not respond to these messages, as this can inform scammers that your number is active.
  • Be aware that this can lead to even more unwanted SMS messages.

False Claims

Another common tactic used by scammers is sending unrealistic offers that seem too good to be true. These false claims can range from winning large prizes to receiving incredible discounts. If you receive an SMS with an offer that seems too good to be true, it’s likely fake.

Such false claims are often designed to collect your personal information or trick you into clicking on a fake link. Always be cautious with SMS messages that promise unbelievable offers or prizes and verify the authenticity of the message before taking action.

Unknown Phone Numbers

Checking the phone number of the sender is a crucial step in identifying spam SMS messages. Long phone numbers or numbers with an unusual format are usually suspicious. Scammers often use such numbers to remain anonymous and hide their identity.

If you receive an SMS from an unknown number, always verify the number before responding. This can help you determine whether the message is genuine or a scam.

Remember that spammers often use unknown and long numbers to achieve their goals.

What to Do If You Receive a Spam SMS

When you receive a spam SMS, it’s important to act quickly and effectively. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Mark the message as spam to avoid future messages.
  • This helps your mobile phone learn which messages are unwanted.
  • It prevents you from receiving messages from the same sender again.
  • Finally, avoid responding to the message; ignore and delete it to prevent receiving more unwanted SMS messages.

Blocking Numbers

Blocking a phone number is an effective way to prevent further spam SMS messages. For iPhones, you can block a number by opening the SMS message, tapping the sender’s number, and selecting ‘Block this Caller.’ This prevents you from receiving future messages from this sender.

For Android users, you can block a number through the settings in the phone app. Here, you can enter the number you want to block and prevent further unwanted SMS messages from this sender.

Reporting Spam SMS Messages

Reporting spam SMS messages is an important step in stopping the spread of these messages.

Here are the steps you can follow:

  • Forward the fake SMS to 7726 (SPAM) to have its origin investigated.
  • Include the spam message in your report.
  • Ensure you don’t click on any links in the message.

Additionally, you can report spam SMS messages to the Fraud Help Desk. By reporting spam SMS messages, you help protect not only yourself but also others.

How to Prevent Spam SMS Messages

Prevention is better than cure, and this is especially true for spam SMS messages. One of the best ways to prevent spam SMS messages is by not sharing your phone number unnecessarily.

You can also use spam filters to automatically separate unwanted messages from your regular SMS messages.

Finally, it’s important to regularly unsubscribe from unwanted services to avoid receiving future unwanted messages.

Don’t Share Your Phone Number Unnecessarily

It’s important to be cautious when sharing your phone number. Here are some risks to keep in mind:

  • Spammers use robots that automatically search for phone numbers.
  • Sharing your phone number online can lead to unwanted marketing and spam from third parties.
  • Your personal information can be sold to other companies.

Always be cautious when entering your phone number on websites or signing up for services. Check whether the website is trustworthy and read the privacy policy before sharing your information.

Use a Spam Filter

A spam filter is a program that protects against spam by separating unwanted messages from your regular SMS messages. On an iPhone, you can filter spam SMS messages using a spam filter, and the same applies to Android devices. Spam filters can help keep your inbox clean and protect you from unwanted SMS messages.

Additionally, you can easily report spam SMS messages by forwarding the message to 7726, and it’s important to include the content of the spam message in your report.

Unsubscribe from Unwanted Services

Unsubscribing from unsolicited SMS services can help prevent future unwanted messages. It’s often simple to unsubscribe from SMS services by following a link or instructions in the message. Most newsletters have an option to unsubscribe easily, freeing you from future spam.

Be proactive and regularly check whether you can unsubscribe from unwanted services and newsletters. By unsubscribing from unwanted services, you can significantly reduce the chances of receiving spam SMS messages and keep your mobile phone free of unwanted messages.

What Are the Risks of Spam SMS Messages?

Spam SMS messages can pose serious risks. They can lead to identity theft, putting your personal information at risk. Identity theft is a serious issue and can enable criminals to impersonate someone else and, for example, open bank accounts.

Additionally, spam SMS messages can impose extra costs on users, especially when providers charge for received messages. Furthermore, spam SMS messages can lead to malware infections on your device, resulting in long-term damage and compromised personal information.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the biggest risks of spam SMS messages. Through spam SMS messages, scammers can gain access to personal information, such as your bank account number or login credentials. Criminals can use this information to impersonate you and, for example, open bank accounts or conduct financial transactions, leading to SMS phishing.

To protect yourself from identity theft, it’s important to never share personal information via SMS messages and always verify the authenticity of a message before taking action.

Be alert to suspicious SMS messages requesting personal information and report them to the relevant authorities.

Malware

Malware is another major risk associated with spam SMS messages. When you click on a suspicious link in an SMS, you may be redirected to a fake website that installs malware on your device. This malware can infect your phone, allowing scammers to see what you type and access your personal information.

The consequences of malware infections are severe and can cause long-term damage to your device. Your personal information can be compromised, and your security can be at risk. Therefore, it’s essential to never click on suspicious links and always be cautious with SMS messages from unknown senders.

Examples of Spam SMS Messages

There are various types of spam SMS messages you may encounter, and it’s important to recognize them to protect yourself. A common type is the fake offer, which often promises deals or prizes.

Another type is the urgent warning, which requests immediate action due to a supposed problem with your bank account or a package.

Fake Offers

Fake offers are a common form of spam SMS messages. An example is a fake email from a bailiff demanding payment via a link. Another example is a fake email about a refund of €975.20, where the sender asks to validate the account number.

These fake offers often include requests for personal information or the need to download apps. Always be cautious with such messages and verify their authenticity before taking action.

Urgent Warnings

Urgent warnings are another type of spam SMS messages that are common. These messages simulate a problem with your bank account or a package and request immediate action. An example is a message asking you to verify your UBO details with a link.

These messages are designed to create panic and trick you into responding quickly without thinking. Always be cautious with SMS messages that urgently request action and verify the authenticity of the message before responding.

Conclusion

Spam SMS messages are a growing problem that can have serious consequences for your personal and financial security. It’s important to know how to recognize these messages and what to do if you receive one. By keeping your phone number private, using spam filters, and unsubscribing from unwanted services, you can significantly reduce the chances of receiving spam SMS messages.

Always stay vigilant and take immediate action if you receive a suspicious SMS message. By following these steps, you can protect yourself from the risks of spam SMS messages, such as identity theft and malware infections. Stay alert and ensure your mobile phone remains secure!