Receiving fake delivery text messages, often referred to as "smishing," is a common tactic used by scammers to deceive individuals into revealing personal information. These fraudulent messages typically impersonate legitimate delivery services, such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx, and may contain links or requests for personal details. To safeguard yourself from these deceptive practices, consider implementing the following strategies:
1. Utilize Built-in Spam Filters on Your Smartphone
How can I activate spam filters on my device?
Both iPhone and Android devices offer built-in features to filter out unwanted messages:
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iPhone Users:
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Navigate to Settings > Messages.
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Enable Filter Unknown Senders to segregate messages from unknown contacts into a separate list.
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When receiving a suspicious message, tap Report Junk to notify Apple.
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Android Users:
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Open the Messages app.
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Access the unwanted message, then select Add to blocklist or a similar option, depending on your device.
These filters help in automatically identifying and segregating potential spam messages. (mcafee.com)
2. Leverage Carrier-Specific Spam Blocking Services
What services do mobile carriers provide to block spam texts?
Many mobile carriers offer tools to combat spam:
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AT&T Call Protect: This free service, integrated into the AT&T ActiveArmor app, blocks scam calls, warns of suspected spam, and sends unknown callers to voicemail.
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Verizon Call Filter: The free version detects, blocks, and screens spam calls and texts. The premium version offers advanced features such as enhanced spam detection, a block list, and a spam risk meter.
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T-Mobile Scam Shield: This free or paid service uses AI to recognize and block fraudulent calls and text messages.
Activating these services can provide an additional layer of protection against unwanted messages. (mcafee.com)
3. Install Third-Party Spam Blocking Applications
Which apps are effective in blocking spam texts?
Several applications are designed to block spam texts:
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Robokiller: Known for blocking 99% of unwanted text messages, Robokiller offers real-time protection and allows users to report spammers directly from the app. (hp.com)
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Textkiller: Developed by the creators of Robokiller, Textkiller focuses on blocking spam texts and can block over 100 million known scammers, with new scammers added daily. (whistleout.com)
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Truecaller: This app identifies unknown numbers and blocks spam messages, providing a comprehensive solution to unwanted texts. (makeuseof.com)
4. Report Suspicious Messages to Authorities
How can I report spam texts?
Reporting spam texts helps authorities track and combat fraudulent activities:
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Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM): This service is used by major carriers to identify and block spam.
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Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Use the FTC's complaint assistant to report unwanted texts. (mcafee.com)
5. Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Messages
What precautions should I take when receiving unexpected texts?
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Avoid Clicking on Links: Do not click on links or call numbers provided in unsolicited messages.
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Verify Through Official Channels: If the message pertains to a delivery, visit the official website of the delivery service and enter the tracking number manually.
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Be Skeptical of Unusual Requests: Legitimate companies will never pressure you to share personal information via text.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fake delivery text scams.
Highlights:
- Beware of Fake USPS Text Messages, Published on Tuesday, June 11
- "Don't click the link": How to avoid package delivery text scams, Published on Tuesday, December 10
- 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
