Spam texts have become the top mobile threat. We'll discuss how to block spam texts from reaching your phone and what you can do to take the fight to the scammers.
Whether life imitates art or vice versa, we can rest assured that scammers imitate culture. With texting becoming the preferred method of communication for most Americans, scammers have taken their ploys to the inbox. Between SMS texting and the many social media apps and digital messaging services we use today, they've stumbled upon a whole new frontier for fraud.
Although we've made strides in fighting back against spam calls, we now face an additional threat in spam texts. The good news is that, while there are several key differences between spam text and spam call protection, there are also many overlapping themes and solutions — like education, awareness, and dedicated spam blocking apps. In 2022, Americans were hit with more than 225 billion robotexts, which is more than 2.5 times the 87 billion robotexts sent by scammers in 2021.
Like spam calls, spam texts can be dangerous for consumers and businesses alike. According to our research, the worst may be yet to come. Fortunately, there are ways to defend ourselves against spam texts, and the first step is understanding the problem.
What are spam texts?
First, let's tackle the basics: What exactly are spam texts?
Spam texts are unsolicited texts that generally come from an unknown sender, often to steal from the target. Although some spam texts are annoying but legal (like most political messages), others are illegal and inherently dangerous.
Many text spammers use a technique called smishing(a mashup of "SMS" and "phishing"), in which they include links that either download harmful malware onto the person's device or send them to an imposter website.
Smishing
Smishing — a mashup of "SMS" and "phishing" — is a form of phishing where someone tries to trick you into giving them your private information via SMS.
Spam, scams, and robotexts
Although they're sometimes used interchangeably, terms like spam, scams, and robotexts don't all mean exactly the same thing.
Spam textsare unwanted messages, usually from numbers you don't recognize. A spam text is dangerous when it introduces a scam, like a smishing scheme or another attempt to steal your personal information, money, or other valuables.
Robotexts are texts sent using an autodialer or other electronic means, and they can be spam, scams, or neither. As with robocalls, robotexts are generally only legal if the recipient has given their consent.
How can I tell if a text message is spam?
Spam texts are on the rise, but so is the use of text messaging from legitimate businesses. There are a few key warning signs that suggest a text might be spam:
What is spoofing?
A call or text from an unknown number that shares your area code might not actually have local origins — it could be a scammer targeting you with a tactic known as caller ID spoofing.
Caller ID spoofing is when scammers disguise their numbers by manipulating the reading on your caller ID, often imitating local numbers or legitimate businesses.
The lowdown on caller ID spoofing
Receiving a text from a number with your same area code does not mean it's from a local number — a scammer could be spoofing their number to engage you in a text scam. Caller ID spoofing is when the actual number being called from is disguised, and instead, a different number shows on your caller ID. Caller ID spoofing works for both phone calls and text messages on your smartphone.
Common types of spam texts
Some popular types of spam texts to be aware of include:
- Invoices that instruct you to reply or follow a link if you didn't authorize the purchase
- Phony package delivery notifications
- Contests, gift cards, coupons, or other fake prizes
- Illegitimate credit card offers
- Student loan debt relief scams
Pro tip
Don't automatically assume that text you just received is from a brand you trust. Even unsophisticated scammers can register a domain that's very close to the domain of a trusted brand, and they can build a website that looks identical to the brand's website.
Why am I getting spam texts?
Even if you're meticulously careful with your personal information, there are many ways for scammers to get their hands on your phone number:
Your number is publicly available.
Many people display their phone numbers on social media profiles, forums, and other web pages, which is a risky practice when it comes to avoiding spam.
You were autodialed.
Sometimes spam texting is completely random. Spammers use autodialing services that send texts to any phone number they can find — including yours.
Your information was exposed in a data breach.
Your phone number (and other sensitive information) may have been exposed during a data breach.
Your number was sold.
If your phone number falls into the hands of one bad actor, it may be circulated to many. Some scammers make their money by selling phone numbers to other scammers.
Your number is on a list because you've answered in the past.
If you've previously responded to a spam call or scam text, the scammer will likely continue to pester you in the future.
How dangerous are spam texts?
Although spam calls are still rampant, obstacles like spam blockers and legislation have forced scammers to be more creative in how they reach their targets. Here's a brief statistical look at the effect spam texts had on Americans throughout last year:
- Americans received more than 225 billion robotexts in 2022 — a 157% jump from 2021 and a 307% rise from 2020.
- The most popular type of spam text in 2022 was delivery scams, of which there were over 12 billion.
- According to the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network, 21% of their 5.2 million reports in 2022 were for identity theft. In total, consumers reported $8.8 billion lost to fraud.
- Millennials are more than twice as likely as Gen Xers to reply to an unknown sender's text.
Are spam texts more dangerous than spam calls?
Spam texts may be more fruitful for scammers in a number of ways. This is because spam texts:
Are more affordable. Spam texts are cheaper and easier to make than spam phone calls, making them a viable alternative for scammers of any kind.
Can target all of a person's devices. The same script can target your iPhone, iPad, laptop, or any other device you use to check your messages.
Infiltrate all kinds of messaging services. Spam texts can be sent anywhere between SMS group chats and emails, social media platforms, and other messaging services like WhatsApp.
Include smishing links. Perhaps most importantly, spam texts can include harmful smishing links that install malware or lead to fake websites.
Why are spam texts bad for businesses?
It's not just consumers who have to worry about their privacy — legitimate businesses are vulnerable to the same dangers. Since many scammers act as legitimate businesses, spam texts can be especially problematic for the companies being impersonated. If a customer has a negative interaction with a scammer they believe represents your business, they may harbor negative opinions about your company long afterward.
Fortunately, top spam blockers like Robokiller offer comprehensive solutions for businesses and consumers alike.
What's being done to fight the spam problem?
Spam has been a top priority for entities like the FTC and FCC for years. Here's a brief overview of some of the steps taken in the overarching fight against spam:
In 1991, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) went into law. The TCPA was designed to regulate telemarketing and has been amended as needed over the years, including the creation of the National Do Not Call Registry.
In 2019, the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act was passed. This legislation cracked down on spam and provided tools to authenticate caller ID information across different networks.
Between 2020 and 2023, Secure Telephone Identity Revisited/Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information using toKENs (STIR/SHAKEN) was unveiled. A set of interconnected frameworks introduced by the TRACED Act to reduce spam and improve caller ID authentication.
In 2023, Project Point of No Entry (PoNE) was unveiled — a plan by the FTC to stop spam calls that originate overseas from being routed through American voice networks.
In the meantime, it's crucial to install a reputable spam text blocker like Robokiller and learn how to protect yourself from the countless types of text scams you might see on any given day.
What is the FCC's STIR/SHAKEN?
STIR/SHAKEN proposes that calls traveling through phone networks must have their caller ID "signed" as legitimate by originating carriers and validated by other carriers before reaching consumers. This helps deter spoofed calls and gives people more confidence that their caller ID information is accurate.
What do I do if I get a spam text?
Spam texts are annoying but can be harmless if you know how to handle them. They only become dangerous when you fall into the sender's trap and give away information that can be used to steal from you.
Don't
- Click any links. They may download malware to your device or lead you to spoofed sites.
- Respond, even to opt out. Responding to a spammer verifies that they found an active number.
- Provide personal, account, or financial information. Never give away sensitive details over the phone unless you know who you're communicating with.
Do
- Download a spam call and text blocker app like Robokiller. Your spam text blocker will prevent dangerous nuisances from ever reaching your phone.
- Report spam texts. Notify your carrier or forward the spam text to 7726 (SPAM).
- Review your phone bill regularly. Monitor your accounts to ensure the charges are correct.
What if I already responded to a spam text?
If you've clicked on a link in what may have been a spam text, do not give out any personal information or enter any login credentials on the website you're redirected to. Instead, disconnect from the internet, report the text to your carrier, and block the number.
How to stop getting spam texts
Filter texts from unknown numbers
Although it's far from a perfect solution, filtering out messages from unknown numbers can effectively prevent spam texts.
Here's how to filter spam texts on iPhone:
- Go to Settings and then Messages
- Scroll down to find Message Filtering
- Toggle Filter Unknown Senders
Here's how to filter spam texts on Android devices:
- Access the Messages app
- Tap the three-dot icon
- Select Settings and then Spam Protection
- Toggle Enable spam protection
Ignore and report spam
If you suspect you've received a spam text, ignore it and block the sender. Unless you know you're being contacted by a legitimate company, never respond to a suspicious text, even to opt out.
Sign up with the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry restricts legitimate telemarketing companies from contacting you by phone or text. But scammers don't follow the law, so this will only prevent texts from legitimate businesses.
Use a spam blocker
Education and preparation are critical in the fight against spam. Still, nothing is as game-changing as a comprehensive spam blocking app like Robokiller.
Here's how to protect yourself against spam texts with Robokiller:
Search for "Robokiller" in your app store and tap "Download"
Open the Robokiller app
Select the "Continue" button
Enter your mobile phone number to begin activation
Robokiller uses a proprietary algorithm to analyze every text message for its origin phone number, content, and attachments, then determines whether it's allowable or spam — all in less than a millisecond. If Robokiller determines a message is spam, it will move it to a special folder called "Unknown & Junk."
Protect yourself from spam texts with Robokiller
Spam texts are becoming more popular every year. Not only are they annoying and illegal, but they can also be highly dangerous, leading to fraud, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Robokiller uses a proprietary algorithm, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to analyze every text message for its origin, content, and attachments, then determines whether it's safe or spam — all in less than a millisecond. If Robokiller determines a message is spam, it will move the text to a special folder in your Messages app called Unknown & Junk.
Robokiller has been at the frontlines of the war against spam since the beginning, and we're proud to support you with the tools you need to regain your privacy and peace of mind. Try Robokiller free for 7 days.