How to Block SMS Spam to Avoid Scamming
Despite being less frequently used, SMS is still one of the commonly used methods to scam people. This is evident from the abundance of SMS spam containing fraudulent lottery prizes and other scamming activities. Although seemingly trivial, receiving spam messages every day can be annoying.
Apart from filling up phone memory, SMS spam messages often attempt to obtain personal information. Interestingly, these messages do not come from other phones, but rather from computers and are sent in bulk to targeted phones.
Understanding SMS Spam
Did you know that there are various types of SMS spam that are usually spread? SMS spam can be created for commercial purposes as well as for criminal activities.
The most disturbing type of SMS spam usually contains links to a specific website. If you click on the link, your device may be infiltrated with a virus that can take your personal information or other important data from your phone.
The next type of SMS spam is advertising messages. These SMS messages are usually sent by providers and contain offers for internet packages, discounts at restaurants, or other special deals for users of a particular provider. If the SMS is from a provider, then it cannot be eliminated directly.
You may wonder why your phone number can receive SMS spam. The answer is that the senders of these spam text messages obtain phone numbers from websites or applications that sell personal data. Or it could be that you yourself inadvertently spread personal data by filling out online forms on unclear websites. So don't be surprised if you receive a lot of SMS spam in one day.
Tips and How to Block SMS Spam
Fortunately, you can reduce unwanted text messages and even block SMS spam in several ways. Here are some tips and ways to block SMS spam when you receive it.
Don't Reply to SMS Spam
When you receive SMS spam and accidentally open it, it's best not to reply to the message. This is because when you reply, it allows the sender of the SMS spam to know that your phone number is active.
If the sender of SMS spam knows that the number they sent the message to is active, they will usually send more SMS spam.
Don't Click on Anything
As mentioned earlier, some SMS spam messages usually contain links to certain websites. There may be some SMS messages that contain legitimate website links. However, it turns out that there are some website links that are similar but fake.
This is where you need to be careful in looking at the website link provided. This is because different punctuation or letters will result in different websites. Therefore, don't click on any links in the text message indiscriminately.
This is because the link may contain a virus that can take your personal information. Your personal data that is collected will be sold to irresponsible parties. Not only that, but some links can also contain viruses that will drain your pulse balance or damage your phone. Some links will also redirect you to unclear websites just to increase traffic to that page.
Block Using Phone Settings
It turns out that both basic phones and smartphones have built-in features to block annoying spam calls and SMS. For basic phones, you can simply type "Block" in the search function. This will bring up a menu for blocking calls and SMS.
As for Android smartphones, you can enter the messaging app and click on the three dots in the upper right corner. Once you're in, select settings. For some Android smartphones, you can also block by clicking on the sender's message number. Then, click the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Block." This way, that phone number will no longer be able to send spam messages to your number.
For iPhone users, you can block by tapping on the "i" in the upper right corner of the spam text message. Next, select the number and choose "Block."
Blocking Using Apps
There are now many developers offering apps specifically designed to block SMS spam. One such app is Truecaller, which automatically identifies and blocks scammers, telemarketers, and unwanted numbers. The app also automatically separates SMS spam, making it easy to detect or delete.
Another app is CallApp, which automatically displays the contact name on another phone. The developer claims that the AI system used can block numbers that frequently send SMS spam.
If you want to focus on blocking SMS spam only, you can try the SMS Block app developed by Key Messages. The app has a feature that automatically blocks SMS spam from unknown senders. The AI technology used can distinguish between real and spam numbers.
Make Sure to Check the SMS Sender Number
It's important to note that some SMS spam will try to get you to reveal personal information such as ATM and savings account details, as well as your ID number. Therefore, always pay attention to where the SMS is coming from. Some SMS spam has words similar to those of official companies.
Update Your Messaging App on Your Phone
Google has also provided a special messaging app called Messages, which is available on Android smartphones. This app actually has a spam SMS blocking feature. Unfortunately, to activate this feature, you must update the messaging app to the latest version. With this update, the feature is more complete and there is a feature to collect and block spam.
These are the tips and ways to block SMS spam that you can try. If there are still many SMS spam messages coming in, it may be a good idea to change your phone number. However, changing your phone number should be carefully considered, especially if the number you are using is an old one that has been spread to many people.
If you choose to use a new number, hopefully, you can be wiser in using the internet so that your new phone number will not be spread and receive SMS spam again. You can also try apps like GetContact to block spam.
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