How to Opt-out of Unwanted Texts & SMS Campaigns

A cell phone with new unread unwanted message on the screen.

How to Opt Out of Unwanted Texts and SMS Campaigns

Spam texts are more than just annoying; they can put your personal data at risk. Whether it’s marketing messages you never signed up for, scam texts trying to steal sensitive information, or junk messages from unknown senders, there are clear steps you can take to stop them. This article will show you how to opt out of unwanted messages, block spam texts, and take back control of your phone.

Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Messages?

There are a few reasons why your mobile device may be flooded with unwanted texts:

  • You gave your phone number to a business that sold your information to marketers.
  • Your number was harvested from a public database or leaked in a data breach.
  • Scammers use auto-dialing software to send fake messages to random numbers.

Some text messages are just promotional spam, while others are part of larger scam operations. Knowing how to respond can protect your identity and reduce the number of messages you receive over time.

Common Types of Unwanted Text Messages

Here are some examples of junk messages you might get:

  • Marketing messages offering deals or coupons
  • Scam texts asking you to click a suspicious link
  • Fake delivery notices or prize winnings
  • Political campaigns asking for donations or votes

Whether these are legal or illegal depends on whether you’ve given prior express permission. If you haven’t opted in, these messages may be violating FCC regulations.

How to Stop Text Spam

Stopping spam texts starts with prevention. Here are some steps to take right away:

  • Don’t respond to messages from unknown senders.
  • Never click on suspicious links or download files.
  • Avoid giving your phone number to unfamiliar websites.
  • Enable filters on your phone’s messages app to reduce spam.

You can also use your carrier’s spam-blocking tools. Most carriers offer some kind of call or text filtering service, either for free or at a small cost.

Use Built-in Tools to Filter Spam Texts

Smartphones have helpful tools to fight spam. On most devices, you can:

  • Filter unknown senders: This puts messages from numbers not in your contact list into a separate folder.
  • Report spam texts: Many phones allow you to mark messages as junk and send a report to your carrier.
  • Block the phone number: If a spammer keeps texting you, block the number so you won’t receive future messages.

Look for the three dot icon in your messages app to access these settings.

How to Opt Out of Mass Texts

If the message comes from a real business or organization, you may be able to unsubscribe by replying with common opt-out phrases like:

  • STOP
  • END
  • CANCEL
  • UNSUBSCRIBE

This only works with legitimate senders that follow the law. If it’s a scam, replying may make things worse by confirming your number is active.

To avoid further unwanted contact, consider following the opt-out instructions provided in the message or visit the sender’s official website to manage your communication preferences.

A person relaxing on sofa, texting on mobile phone, opting out of unwanted texts and sms campaigns.

Reporting Spam to the Right Authorities

If you’re getting scam messages, don’t just delete them; report them. Here’s how:

  • Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM)—this helps your carrier track spam activity.
  • Report to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) if you believe the message violates rules. Report to FCC
  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

These reports help stop larger scam operations. If the message includes a suspicious link or asks for personal or financial information, it’s especially important to take action.

Caller ID and Text Spam

Some scammers use spoofing to make their texts appear to come from a local phone number or even a government agency. This makes the message look more trustworthy, but it’s a trick.

Use caution, even if the caller ID seems familiar. Never give out sensitive information over text. When in doubt, contact the organization directly through a verified website or number.

Block Messages from Repeat Offenders

If someone keeps sending you unwanted messages, block them through your phone’s settings. You can:

  • Tap and hold the message
  • Select the three dot icon
  • Choose Block or Report Junk

Blocking stops the sender from reaching you again. Some phones also let you filter spam texts automatically so you never see them.

Secure Your Mobile Device

Keeping your mobile device secure can help stop text scams and reduce risk of identity theft. Here are a few tips:

  • Enable two factor authentication on your important accounts
  • Use a secure lock screen with fingerprint or face ID
  • Keep your operating system and apps updated
  • Avoid installing apps from unknown sources

These steps make it harder for scammers to gain access to your personal data or trick you with fake messages.

How to Block Spam Texts Effectively

Blocking spam texts can help reduce stress and protect your data. The process may vary slightly depending on your phone model or carrier, but the basics are the same:

On iPhone:

  • Open the Messages app
  • Tap the conversation
  • Tap the contact at the top of the screen
  • Tap Info
  • Scroll down and tap Block this Caller

On Android:

  • Open the Messages app
  • Tap and hold the conversation
  • Tap the three dot icon
  • Choose Block or Report spam

These built-in features make it easy to stop spam messages from repeat offenders. You can also explore call blocking services provided by your mobile phone carrier.

What About Scam Texts?

Scam texts are more dangerous than ordinary junk messages. They might ask you to:

  • Click a suspicious link
  • Share personal or financial information
  • Call a toll-free number to claim a prize or reset a password

Never interact with these messages. Instead, report scam texts immediately. If you’re unsure whether a text is real, go directly to the company’s website and contact their support department.

Enable Spam Protection on Your Device

Many phones and carriers now offer spam protection as a free feature. This blocks known spam messages before they reach your inbox. To enable it:

  • On Android, go to the Messages app, tap the three dot icon, go to Settings, and enable Spam Protection.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and toggle on Filter Unknown Senders.

These filters help you avoid unwanted messages and reduce the risk of falling for phishing scams.

Using a Messages App with Built-in Filtering

Some apps provide more advanced message filtering tools. These apps let you:

  • Automatically block similar messages based on patterns
  • Create rules to stop spam texts from known bad actors
  • Report spam text messages to carriers with one tap

If your default messaging app lacks robust spam protection, consider using an alternative messaging service with filtering features built in.

Tap Block to Stop Junk Messages Fast

When you receive a spam message, act fast. Many phones offer a Tap Block option:

  • Tap the message
  • Use the options menu to block messages or report junk

This quick step helps reduce future junk messages and keeps your inbox clean. If the number is new or unrecognized, tap block before the spammer can try again.

Dealing With Political Campaigns and Surveys

Around election season, you might receive a spike in political texts. While some are legal, you’re not required to accept them. If you don’t want political campaigns to contact you:

  • Reply with “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE”
  • Use your phone settings to block spam texts
  • Report unwanted messages to your wireless carrier

For more general guidance, read How to Handle Unwanted Calls, which includes similar opt-out steps for political calls and texts.

Watch Out for Identity Theft Red Flags

Spam texts can be a gateway to identity theft. If a message asks for your:

  • Social Security Number
  • Bank account info
  • Login credentials

…do not respond. Identity thieves often send urgent-sounding messages to scare you into sharing sensitive information.

Learn how to protect yourself through Credit.org’s Free Identity Theft Prevention Course.

Opt Out of Promotional Text Campaigns

If you’re overwhelmed by marketing messages, take time to opt out of as many as possible. You can:

  • Reply “STOP” to texts from businesses you’ve interacted with
  • Remove your number from public databases
  • Visit DMAchoice.org to reduce direct marketing

Also check out our guide on How to Opt Out of Credit Card Offers to further limit unwanted communications.

Junk Messages vs Scam Messages: Know the Difference

Not all spam is illegal. Some junk messages come from real companies trying to sell something. Scam messages, on the other hand, are intended to deceive and defraud.

If you’re getting offers you didn’t ask for, you can use our tips on How to Stop Getting Junk Mail and Opt Out to reduce both digital and physical spam.

Stay Vigilant and Keep Reporting

Stopping spam texts isn’t a one-time task. New scams appear all the time. Keep reporting spam, blocking unknown numbers, and checking your settings. Visit How to Stop Getting Spam & Scam Emails for more ways to protect your inbox and phone.

If you need help with your housing situation, debts, or credit, reach out for assistance. Don’t wait for someone to contact you, and don’t respond to unsolicited text messages. Contact a nonprofit organization like Credit.org so you know you’re dealing with someone you can trust.

Jeff Michael
Article written by
Jeff Michael is the author of More Than Money, a debtor education guide for pre-bankruptcy debtor education, and Repair Your Credit and Knock Out Your Debt from McGraw-Hill books. He was a contributor to Tips from The Top: Targeted Advice from America’s Top Money Minds. He lives in Overland Park, Kansas.
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