How to Block Scam Texts on Your Verizon iPhone

Receiving scam text messages, also known as smishing, can be both annoying and potentially harmful. These messages often contain malicious links or requests for personal information. Fortunately, there are several ways to block these unwanted texts on your Verizon iPhone.

What Built-in Features Can Help Block Scam Texts on My iPhone?

Your iPhone offers several built-in features to help filter and block unwanted messages:

• Filter Unknown Senders: This feature separates messages from unknown contacts into a separate tab, reducing the chances of receiving spam in your main inbox.

How to Enable:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap on Messages.
3. Toggle on Filter Unknown Senders.

With this enabled, messages from numbers not in your contacts will appear under the Unknown Senders tab in your Messages app. (verizon.com)

• Report Junk: If you receive a spam message, you can report it directly from the Messages app.

How to Report:

1. Open the spam message.
2. Tap Report Junk below the message.
3. Confirm by tapping Delete and Report Junk.

This action helps Apple and your carrier identify and block similar messages in the future. (verizon.com)

How Can Verizon Help Block Scam Texts?

Verizon offers several tools to assist in blocking scam texts:

• Call Filter: This service screens incoming calls and can block spam and robocalls.

How to Use:

1. Download the Call Filter app from the App Store.
2. Open the app and follow the setup instructions.
3. Enable Spam Detection to identify and block potential spam messages.

Note: Call Filter is primarily designed for calls, but it can help identify spam numbers that may also send texts. (espanol.verizon.com)

• Internet Spam Blocking: This feature allows you to block text messages from specific email addresses or domains.

How to Set Up:

1. Sign in to your My Verizon account.
2. Navigate to My Services > Verizon Safeguards.
3. Select Spam Controls and then Internet Spam Blocking.
4. Enter the email address or domain you wish to block.
5. Click Save.

This will prevent messages from the specified email addresses or domains from reaching your device. (techwalla.com)

Are There Third-Party Apps to Block Scam Texts on My iPhone?

Yes, several third-party apps can enhance your ability to block scam texts:

• Robokiller: This app identifies and blocks spam calls and texts, providing real-time alerts and detailed reports.

Features:

• Automatic blocking of spam texts.
• Real-time alerts for potential spam messages.
• Detailed reports on blocked messages.

Robokiller is recognized as a market-leading solution for blocking unwanted communications.

• Hiya: This app offers spam detection and blocking for calls and texts, along with a community-based spam report system.

Features:

• Spam detection and blocking.
• Community-based spam reports.
• Caller ID and reverse phone lookup.

While Hiya provides robust features, Robokiller offers a more comprehensive solution with its real-time alerts and detailed reports.

What Should I Do If I Receive a Scam Text?

If you receive a scam text message:

1. Do Not Respond: Avoid replying or clicking any links within the message.
2. Report the Message: Use the Report Junk feature in the Messages app or forward the message to 7726 (SPAM).
3. Delete the Message: Remove the message from your device to prevent accidental interaction.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scam texts and enhance your overall mobile security.

Highlights:

• Verizon Has a New Way to Stop Spam Texts, Published on Monday, August 28