Proposals to force mobile operators to block certain spam messages are gaining momentum. In the meantime, there are simple things you can do right now to stop spam texts.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has voiced his support for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposal to end illegal and malicious texts. In doing so, he joined his other 49 states and Washington, D.C. Attorney General.
What specifically does this proposal want to achieve?
FCC letter signed by all 51 attorneys general calls on cellular providers to block illegal text messages from invalid or unused numbers and to block phone numbers on “do not call” lists I support doing Numbers previously proven to be used for fraudulent activity.
The Attorney General has urged the FCC to go one step further, introducing authentication software to help determine if a text message is from a known or potential spammer. I am asking you to develop it. “Potential spam” on smartphones thanks to STIR/SHAKEN technology implemented in 2021.
Millions of dollars lost to text fraud
The Federal Trade Commission reports that in 2021, 131 million mobile phone users in the United States will be affected by fraudulent text messages, text messages containing phishing links, or downloads of malware and other harmful software. estimated to have lost a dollar.
How to watch out for spam text
What makes these scams easy to fall for is the fact that they often appear completely harmless, usually coming from trusted services like wireless providers and UPS. In some cases, they may pretend to be the IRS, warning you that if you don’t pay back your outstanding taxes, you have an arrest warrant, or conversely, relief funds.
always remember, someone from the IRS or government We will not contact you by text message. Also, I rarely contact them by phone. Similarly, legitimate services like UPS and trusted stores like Best Buy and Amazon will not contact you via text message unless you explicitly request it.
Before visiting a link sent by text, it’s wise to ask yourself if you requested a text contact, then take a closer look at the number. If you receive spam or suspicious text messages, follow these steps to further protect yourself.
- Report fraud attempts to the FCC by dialing 7726.
- Never type “STOP” to prevent them from contacting you again.Doing so won’t stop them, but may result in more text messages
- If in doubt, never tap a link sent from a number that looks suspicious
How to block spam texts on your phone
Thankfully, both Android and iPhone let you block text messages from unknown or potentially dangerous numbers.
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iphone
iPhone has options to filter and block unknown numbers.
To filter unknown numbers:
- Open setting
- Tap message
- turn on Filter unknown senders
- When you open your message, you’ll see the text sorted into three categories. “All messages”, “Known senders” When “Unknown Sender“
- All messages from unknown numbers will be sent to unknown senders and you will not receive notifications.
Note that this may also include new acquaintances you just gave your contact information to. please. Similarly, if a new acquaintance gives you their number and you expect to hear from them, enter it as a contact on your phone.
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If you receive a text that you know is suspicious, block the number so you can’t contact them again.
To block spam numbers:
- open spam text messages
- Tap the profile icon with a number under it
- tap info
- [この発信者をブロック]Tap
android
Similarly, Android offers Spam Protection, two services that help you avoid spam text messages beyond simply blocking certain numbers.
To enable Anti-Spam:
- open message app
- Tap the tree dot icon in the top right corner
- Tap setting
- Tap spam protection
- Tap Enable spam protection
To block a phone number:
- open spam text messages
- Tap the three dots icon in the top right corner
- Tap Add to block list
spam blocking app
There are also some highly recommended apps designed to block malicious text.
Morobo:
- FTC Robocall Challenge Winner
- Protects you from spam texts and callers
- $2/month per mobile phone
- 14 days free trial
- Available for android When iphone
- Free on Android and iPhone
- Transcribe voicemails and save yourself the trouble of listening
- Free reverse phone number database
- Caller ID to filter out even suspicious numbers
- Get YouMail
- Focuses on blocking spam text from unknown numbers
- You can create keyword-specific blocks
- Also blocks ranges of email addresses and phone numbers
- Create separate folders for known and unknown senders and junk
- Get TextKiller
Invest in a reputable antivirus program
Another way to protect your phone from coming into contact with malware that may be sent via malicious text is to install a reputable antivirus program on your phone.
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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist, contributor to Fox News & FOX Business since morning “FOX & Friends”, with a deep love for technology, gear and gadgets that make life better . Have a technical question?Get Kurt’s Cyber Guy newsletter and share your voice, story ideas, or comments at Cyber Guy.com.
