Introduction

Receiving spam texts is an unfortunately common problem these days. They can be annoying, time-consuming, and even harmful in some situations. Fortunately, there are many ways to block them and protect yourself. In this article, we’ll give you tips, tricks, and DIY solutions on how to block spam texts and safeguard your device.

10 Simple Tricks to Keep Spam Texts at Bay

Here are some quick and easy solutions to prevent spam texts:

1. Enabling filters on your phone

Most phones have built-in filters to help block spam texts. Go to your phone’s settings and look for the messaging app settings. There should be an option to enable spam filters or add keywords that will trigger spam blocking.

2. Using third-party apps

There are many apps available on both iOS and Android platforms that can help you block spam texts. Some popular ones include RoboKiller, Nomorobo, and Truecaller.

3. Creating a spam filter

If you don’t want to use third-party apps, you can create your spam filter. Go to your messaging app settings, and create a new filter. Add keywords or phrases that frequently appear in spam messages, and the app will block them.

4. Blocking individual numbers

If you receive spam texts from a specific phone number, you can easily block it. Go to the message thread, tap on the number, and select block number.

5. Blocking unknown numbers

Some spam texts come from numbers that aren’t in your contact list. You can block those too. Go to your phone settings and look for the block list and manually add the numbers to it.

6. Opting-out of message promotions

If you receive spam messages from your service carrier, you can opt-out of them. Look for an option to stop receiving promotional texts or messages and reply accordingly.

7. Disabling notifications

If you don’t want to receive spam messages in the first place, go to your phone settings, look for notifications, and disable alerts from messaging apps. This way, you’ll only receive a message when you open the app.

8. Deleting anonymous texts

Anonymous spam texts usually come with malicious links that can harm your phone. It’s best to delete them the moment you receive them, without clicking on anything.

9. Avoiding replies to unknown numbers

If you don’t recognize a number that sends you a text, don’t reply. Some spam texts use AI to simulate responses and can manipulate you. Replying could result in more spam messages.

10. Using a separate phone number for subscriptions

If you have online subscriptions or sign-ups, use a different phone number than your primary phone number. This way, you’ll only receive spam texts on that number, and your main number will be free from spam messages.

5 Do-It-Yourself Ways to Block Spam Texts Without Any Fuss

If you don’t want to use apps or filters, here are some ways to block spam texts without any hassle:

1. Manually blocking numbers

As mentioned, you can block individual numbers and manually add them to a block list. This way, you’ll block any messages from that number, without needing an app or a filter.

2. Creating spam contact

Create a spam contact on your phone and add every known spam number to it. After you save them, assign them a silent ring tone, so you’re not bothered when they call or text you.

3. Setting up “do not disturb”

Using the “do not disturb” option silences every notification or call outside of your “favorites” (or if you customized it, people who are allowed to call you when you are in the “do not disturb” mode). This works in case contacts are not saved as “favorites” or “allowed” in the “do not disturb” mode, the calls will go straight to voicemail and will not interrupt you.

4. Using Google Voice

Google Voice provides you a new phone number, and you can set it up to filter and block spam texts for free. You can also forward calls and messages to your primary number, so you don’t have to check different places for important messages.

5. Requesting service carriers to block specific numbers

If you receive spam messages from known numbers, you can contact your service carrier and request them to block the numbers from their end. They’ll make sure you receive no further texts from them.

Why You Should Never Click on Spam Texts and How to Protect Yourself

It’s important to understand that spam texts are not just annoying, but they could also be harmful. Here are some ways to protect yourself:

Risks associated with clicking on spam texts

Clicking on spam texts might result in downloading malware, viruses, or spyware on your phone. It can also lead to phishing scams that can log in to important accounts or steal personal data.

The need to safeguard your phone against potential threats

Since spam texts pose risks to your phone’s security, it’s necessary to protect it with antiviruses and security apps. These apps can block malicious links, scans for viruses, and warn against harmful downloads.

How to provide protection to your device

Always use reputable apps, only click on links from trusted sources, avoid downloading attachments from unknown numbers, and keep your phone’s software up-to-date. This will help ensure that your device is safeguarded from potential threats.

Cutting Ties: How to Unsubscribe from Spam Messages the Right Way

If you want to stop receiving spam texts, here are some ways you can try:

1. Reviewing privacy policies

Look through a company’s privacy policy before subscribing to anything from them. Some companies share your number with third-party marketers. If you come across these issues, don’t sign up, also, report the company to the authorities if it persists.

2. Replying with stop/unsubscribe

If you receive spam messages from service carriers or legitimate companies, you can reply to them with “stop” or “unsubscribe.” This will remove you from their promotional campaigns.

3. Blocking numbers

If you’re still receiving texts after unsubscribing, block their number manually. This will prevent them from contacting you in the future.

4. Reporting spam numbers to authorities

You can report spam numbers to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in Canada, or the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK..

One Text at a Time: How to Block Spam Texts Permanently

If you want to take more action against spam texts, here are some remedies:

1. Filing complaints

You can file complaints with your service carrier and the FTC/FCC/CRTC/ICO. Complaints can help identify patterns among spam messages and could lead to blocking spam messages from its source.

2. Contacting authorities

If you feel like you have been a victim of fraudulent activities, get in touch with the authorities such as the police. They can help investigate the incidents to ensure that others don’t fall into the same scam.

3. Utilizing legal action

When the spam messages become severe and threatening, taking legal action and suing the offenders can be an option.

4. Reporting to carriers

Reporting spam texts can lead carriers to create new and better ways to help users like you. This is to stop offenders and create a safer environment for everyone.

Conclusion

Blocking spam texts is a simple process. You can use filters, third-party apps, blocking numbers, and setting up spam filters. If you want a DIY solution, creating a spam contact, and using “Do Not Disturb,” is a quick fix for manually blocking numbers. If you want to protect your device, never click on spam texts, always use a reputable security app, and keep your phone software updated. If you want to ensure that spammers stop texting you completely, you can follow the DIY and simple tricks above, but to get a better guarantee, file complaints, contact authorities, or report spam texts to carriers.