Receiving fake delivery texts, often referred to as "smishing," is a common tactic used by scammers to deceive individuals into sharing personal or financial information. These fraudulent messages may appear to be from reputable delivery services, but they are designed to exploit unsuspecting users. Understanding how to block these deceptive texts is crucial for maintaining your privacy and security.
What Are Fake Delivery Texts and How Do They Work?
Fake delivery texts are fraudulent messages that mimic legitimate delivery notifications. They often contain links or prompts urging recipients to provide sensitive information or download malicious software. For instance, a scammer might send a text claiming to be from the United States Postal Service (USPS), stating that a package is awaiting delivery and requesting personal details to confirm the delivery. The USPS has warned about such scams, emphasizing that they only send text messages to customers who have initiated a tracking request and that these messages will not contain links. (time.com)
How Can I Block Fake Delivery Texts on My Phone?
Blocking fake delivery texts involves a combination of utilizing built-in phone features, carrier services, and third-party applications.
Built-in Phone Features
For iPhone Users:
- Go to Settings > Messages.
- Enable Filter Unknown Senders to separate messages from unknown contacts into a separate list.
- When you receive a suspicious message, tap Report Junk below the message.
For Android Users:
- Open the Messages app.
- Open the unwanted message, then tap Add to blocklist or a similar option, depending on your phone’s manufacturer.
These built-in features help filter out unwanted messages and can be effective in reducing spam. (mcafee.com)
Carrier Services
Many mobile carriers offer services to block spam and scam messages:
- AT&T: Offers Call Protect, which blocks scam calls and warns of suspected spam.
- Verizon: Provides Call Filter, which detects, blocks, and screens spam calls and texts.
- T-Mobile: Features Scam Shield, which uses AI to recognize and block fraudulent calls and text messages.
These services can add an extra layer of protection against unwanted texts. (mcafee.com)
Third-Party Applications
Several apps are designed to block spam and scam texts:
- Robokiller: This app claims to eliminate 95% of unwanted text messages and boasts more than 11 million downloads, with a 4.5-star rating from over 320,000 reviewers. (hp.com)
- Truecaller: Identifies unknown callers and automatically blocks spam numbers based on user reports and AI detection. (nooranweb.com)
- Hiya: Provides incoming spam call detection and warns against specific area codes and prefixes commonly used by scammers. (verified.org)
These apps can be effective in filtering out unwanted messages and calls.
What Are the Legal Protections Against Spam Texts?
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken steps to protect consumers from spam texts:
- One-to-One Consent Rule: Prohibits multiple companies from texting or calling you after you sign up on only one website. Consent must now be specific to the website where you provided it. (mcafee.com)
- Opt-Out Rights: Allows consumers to withdraw consent by replying “stop” to unwanted texts or submitting an opt-out request to the seller or brand’s website or telephone number. (mcafee.com)
These regulations empower consumers to take control over unwanted communications.
How Can I Report Spam Texts?
Reporting spam texts helps authorities and carriers take action against scammers:
- Forward the spam text to 7726 (which spells “SPAM” on most keypads).
- Your carrier will use this information to identify and block the sender.
- For texts that are clearly scams, report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). (mcafee.com)
What Are the Best Practices to Avoid Fake Delivery Texts?
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: Treat unsolicited texts as suspicious until proven safe and never click links or call numbers in suspicious texts. (mcafee.com)
- Verify Through Trusted Channels: Use official mobile apps or websites to check the status of deliveries or accounts.
- Keep Your Software Updated: Ensure your device's operating system and apps are up to date to benefit from the latest security features.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fake delivery texts and other forms of smishing.
Highlights:
- Google says Android phones now block more scams than iPhones, Published on Friday, October 31
- Beware of Fake USPS Text Messages, Published on Tuesday, June 11
- New 'SMS blaster' text scams are on the rise, security experts warn - stay safe by changing this one phone setting, Published on Saturday, October 04
