Spam Text Message Safety

Protecting Yourself from Spam Text Messages

Texting is a trusted & popular way to communicate

Overall, text messaging is one of the most trusted and widely used forms of communication by consumers. In fact, Americans exchange 2 trillion texts annually.

The wireless industry is dedicated to protecting consumers from spam messages, deploying filtering software and machine learning tools to prevent them from reaching consumers, and encouraging consumers to report any spam they do receive.

Forward spam messages to 7726

If you’ve received a spam text message, just forward the message to your wireless provider at “SPAM” (7-7-2-6). Providers use information reported by customers through 7726 to further calibrate spam filters and other tools to protect consumers from spam messages.

How to identify spam text messages

  • No Sender Information. Many spam texts do not contain any sender information. Brands and companies will include context, such as their name and why they’re reaching out. If a message is ambiguous and includes a link to “more information,” it’s a good idea to steer clear and delete the message.
  • “Too Good to be True” Offers. Most businesses won’t contact you out of the blue unless you already have an open issue, and virtually NO ONE will rush to give you a cash award or free products for clicking a link.
  • Grammatical Errors. Spam texts often contain random capitalization, excessive punctuation, and extra spaces. If you see errors in a message you receive, it’s a good idea to avoid and delete the message.
  • Obscure Links. Phishing links are usually not recognizable by their URL. A simple rule of thumb is if you don’t recognize the link or the sender, don’t click it.
  • Examples of Spam Texts:
    • “You Have a package waiting at USPS. Click the link to claim your package now [URL]”
    • “CONGRATULATIONS! You’re the winner of a $5,000 cash prize! Click here to confirm your information [URL]”
    • “Your social security benefits will be terminated in 5 days. To stop this from happening, contact us immediately [URL]”
    • “Please verify your bank account Details. You must do this in 24 hours, or your account will be locked [URL]”

Key tips to manage your text messages

Here are some other key tips to help you keep control over your texts:

  • Don’t reply, don’t tap or open any links in unwanted texts from sources you don’t know. The best response to a suspicious text message is to REPORT IT and DELETE IT.
  • You can report spam messages by filing a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and/or Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
  • One of the easiest ways to stop scammers is to block the number. Some carriers may also have spam-blocking capabilities; E.G. Verizon’s Call Filter, AT&T’s Call Protect, and T-Mobile’s Scam Shield.
  • If you have a smartphone, you can download apps to prevent spam.
  • If you receive any texts you don’t want, respond “STOP.”
sms messaging

It’s also important that you know who you’re giving your phone number to and the following tips can help you determine whether to interact with businesses, organizations, nonprofits, political campaigns, etc. via text message:

  • Organizations who want to text you should ask you to OPT-IN to such. communication. Make sure you know what you’re signing up for when you provide your phone number.
  • Check for a privacy policy and find out if any company you do business with can sell or share your information.
  • Read through registration or product agreement forms. You should be able to OPT-OUT of receiving texts from organizations when you sign up with them.

How the wireless industry protects you

Established in 1984 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C., CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association) is a nonprofit trade association that represents the U.S. wireless communications industry and companies throughout the mobile ecosystem.

Reflecting this consumer-first mindset, the industry created the Messaging Principles and Best Practices for non-consumer senders to guide engagement with their customers or target audience.

CTIA