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.
There are a few reasons why your mobile device may be flooded with unwanted texts:
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.
Here are some examples of junk messages you might get:
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.
Stopping spam texts starts with prevention. Here are some steps to take right away:
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.
Smartphones have helpful tools to fight spam. On most devices, you can:
Look for the three dot icon in your messages app to access these settings.
If the message comes from a real business or organization, you may be able to unsubscribe by replying with common opt-out phrases like:
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.
If you’re getting scam messages, don’t just delete them; report them. Here’s how:
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.
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.
If someone keeps sending you unwanted messages, block them through your phone’s settings. You can:
Blocking stops the sender from reaching you again. Some phones also let you filter spam texts automatically so you never see them.
Keeping your mobile device secure can help stop text scams and reduce risk of identity theft. Here are a few tips:
These steps make it harder for scammers to gain access to your personal data or trick you with fake messages.
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:
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.
Scam texts are more dangerous than ordinary junk messages. They might ask you to:
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.
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:
These filters help you avoid unwanted messages and reduce the risk of falling for phishing scams.
Some apps provide more advanced message filtering tools. These apps let you:
If your default messaging app lacks robust spam protection, consider using an alternative messaging service with filtering features built in.
When you receive a spam message, act fast. Many phones offer a Tap Block option:
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.
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:
For more general guidance, read How to Handle Unwanted Calls, which includes similar opt-out steps for political calls and texts.
Spam texts can be a gateway to identity theft. If a message asks for your:
…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.
If you’re overwhelmed by marketing messages, take time to opt out of as many as possible. You can:
Also check out our guide on How to Opt Out of Credit Card Offers to further limit unwanted communications.
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.
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.
