Got A Spam Text? Here’s Where They Come From And How To Handle Them

Unsplash/Ali Morshedlou

We’ve all had spam e-mails and calls before. The fact that they contacted you is annoying enough, but what’s worse is that spammers can steal important information if you respond. And spam doesn’t even stop there. Spammers can also text you, and friends, that’s an entirely different ball game.

What’s a spam text?

So, what the hell are these messages and what do they look like? While we’re sure there are many forms of spam texting, the most common involve a strange number or account. For example, getting a text from Mom is drastically different than getting a text from [email protected]. You may notice that the message is strange, asks you for personal information or includes a link for you to follow.

What risks do these messages pose?

Sadly, the risks are a-plenty. Most likely, spam text messages are coming from someone or something that wants your personal information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) states that many spam texts include promises of free gifts or product offers to lure you into giving out your info (like how much you make or your bank account information). If you respond with your info, you’re putting yourself at the same risk as if you used a shady ATM or logged into a shady website.

Even worse, the FTC also states that clicking any links in these messages could result in harmful malware being installed on your device. Malware can slow your cell phone performance and, horrifyingly, collect information straight from your device that the spammers who texted you could sell to identity thieves.

On a less serious and more annoying note, you could also be charged by your cell phone company just for receiving the text.

Unsplash/Pathum Danthanarayana

Are they even legal?

Just like most unsolicited calls and e-mails, spam texts are illegal. In fact, it’s undoubtedly illegal to send unsolicited commercial texts to someone from an auto-dialer (a device that stores your cell phone information and then sends you messages using random account names). The only times that unsolicited texting is legal is if the sender is a person or company you have a relationship with (like your bank sending you statements) or from companies distributing surveys or fundraising messages.

What can I do to combat these messages?

Okay, so we probably just scared the hell out of you. That’s good because you need to know that spam texting is actually awful. But it’s not over once you receive a text. You can do the following:

• Block the number or account from your phone. (Again, some spam texts don’t come through as numbers but rather as a cluster of words and letters or something resembling an email account.) The senders won’t know they’re blocked, so they can send away at no expense to you.
• Report the message to the FTC or, if you’re with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint or Bell, you can report the texts straight to your carrier by forwarding the message to the number 7726 (SPAM), for free.
• Delete the message immediately.
• Do not reply or click any links. Malware could be lurking!
• Constantly check your cell phone bill to make sure you didn’t get any ridiculous charges.

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