Ever getting annoying text messages claiming you’ve won a $100 Giftcard? We do too, and we hate text spam just as much as you do. Really.
Here are some tips to make sure you don’t receive those pesky texts anymore:
1. You can change your preferences of message sources that are allowed to be sent to your phone with your carrier. Short codes (like Call-Em-All’s 292929) have rules that must be followed, including honoring STOP, CANCEL, and QUIT. Every short code must be tested and approved before it is allowed to send messages. Long codes (10-digit numbers, e-mail addresses, etc) do not have such administration.
If you’re an AT&T customer, you can manage your preferences at this site. Verizon customers, you can also manage these preferences then go to the Spam Blocking tab.
2. If a specific 10-digit phone number continues to spam your cell phone, you can contact your carrier to block a certain number. (If you use AT&T, you can do so here.)
3. According to the New York Times, replying to the message, even with words like Stop, Cancel, or Quit, may verify to the spammers that you have a working number that can be resold.
4. Therefore, the best tactic to prevent SMS spam is to not reply to the message and forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) to notify your carrier so they can investigate.
5. If you have a smartphone, there may be apps you can download to prevent spam. For Androids, we hear that the Anti SMS Spam & Text Filter is a useful app.
Do you have any tips for avoiding spam texts? Comment below and let us know!
You can read more information on preventing spam on AT&T’s website.
