What to do if you receive a spam text
Never reply
If you are unsure whether a text message is real or not, the best thing to do is contact the relevant organization directly. DO NOT click on the contact details link in the message. You can search for their website via a search engine and then click through from the search engine results page, or else you can type in the organisations URL directly into your address bar. Alternatively you can find the contact number on direct correspondence from the providing organisation.
Don’t click on any links
Clicking on a link from a spam text could take you to a fake website explicitly set up to steal your money or personal information. In some cases, the website could infect your phone with malware, which may spy on you and slow down your phone’s performance by taking up space on your phone’s memory.
Don’t disclose any personal information
Remember, legitimate organizations such as banks or government agencies don’t ask for personal or financial information via unsolicited text messages. So guard your personal data carefully and be careful about how you disclose it online. Be wary of any text message that asks you to ‘update’ or ‘verify’ account details.
Visit an organization’s website directly
If you are unsure whether a text message is real or not, the best thing to do is contact the relevant organization directly. You can search for their website via a search engine and then click through from the search engine results page, or else you can type in the URL directly into your address bar. Or you can find out their phone number and call them to check.
Report the scammer
In Australia, Make sure the original number is showing. This reporting method works for the primary network providers.
forward SMS spam to 0429 999 888. Standard message charges apply.
forward email spam to report@submit.spam.acma.gov.au.
You may also report spam texts on the messaging app you use. Look for the option to report junk or spam:
File a complaint
It is illegal to send unsolicited commercial messages to users without their consent. The precise complaints procedure will vary by jurisdiction. For example:
In Australia, you can complain to the Australian Communications & Media Authority
What to do if you’ve fallen victim to a scam message or phishing text
If you think you may have passed on personal or financial information to a scammer via a spam message:
Contact your bank or financial institution immediately to alert them.
Change all your usernames and passwords across all your accounts.
Report the fraud to your phone service provider – they may have had other customers with the same experience and can take action if they see their customers experiencing similar spam texts.
Involve law enforcement where financial loss is involved.
How to stop spam texts
Two simple ways to stop getting spam texts are blocking numbers and using spam filters on your mobile device.
Blocking numbers
Blocking numbers is easy to do, although precise instructions may vary according to your mobile device's manufacturer, model, and operating system. Remember that the scammers may try texting you from what appears to be a different number each time – by spoofing numbers – which makes the process of manually blocking more laborious.
How to block text messages on iPhone:
Open the text from the number you wish to block and tap on the sender’s number.
Click on the info (i)
Under the Details screen, click on the phone number, choose Block this Caller, and Block Contact.
How to block spam texts on Android:
On an Android, open your phone app and tap on the three-dot icon in the upper right corner and choose “Settings”.
Tap on “Block numbers”.
You will find several options, including unknown callers, recent calls, or from your contact list.
Choose or manually enter a number you wish to block.
Filter unknown senders
Another way to help reduce spam messages and robotexts is by using spam filters on your mobile device
Turn it on by swiping the button to the right. All messages from a number not in your contact list will be filtered to the “Unknown Senders” tab found under “Filters.”
Filtering out spam messages on Android:
Go to the Messaging app and tap the three dots icon in the upper right-hand of the screen.
Tap on “Settings” –> “Spam Protection.”
Scroll down until you find “Enable Spam Protection.”
Turn it on by swiping the button to the right.
Tips: How to protect yourself from spam texts
Don’t disclose your mobile phone number online unless it’s essential
Often, online forms ask us to disclose phone numbers but remember that the details you submit can often end up on marketing lists or databases. Unless it’s essential or mandatory, avoid giving your number out to help reduce the number of unwanted texts and calls.
Don’t post your mobile phone number publicly
For example, avoid listing your mobile phone number on your social media profiles such as Facebook, Twitter, or elsewhere.
Keep an eye on your mobile phone bill
Review your phone bill regularly. If you see any charges which don’t look right, contact your network carrier to check if you’re either receiving or unknowingly sending spam messages from your phone.
Check to see if your carrier offers call blocking
Many major carriers offer call-blocking services that allow you to block phone numbers from unknown callers for a set period. Several third-party apps can block spam texts – including Nomorobo, Robokiller, Truecaller, TrapCall, and others. Bear in mind, though, that using these apps involves sharing your data with them.
Place your number on a Do Not Call Registry
The Australian Do Not Call register is a free service where consumers can securely register their home, mobile or fax numbers to reduce unsolicited telemarketing calls. https://www.donotcall.gov.au/
allows users to opt-out of receiving unwanted texts and marketing calls. However, note that actual scammers don’t abide by this registry, so they will continue to send scam texts regardless.
Message spam and unwanted text messages are a real nuisance and often the start of a scam. As ever, a combination of awareness and practicing good cybersecurity hygiene is the key to staying safe.