How can I block suspicious text messages on my iPhone?

On iPhone, enable 'Filter Unknown Senders' in Settings > Messages to separate messages from unknown contacts into a separate tab.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious text message?

Do not reply or click on any links. Instead, forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) and report it to the FTC.

How to Stop Suspicious Messages on Your US Phone Number

Receiving suspicious text messages, commonly known as "smishing," can be both annoying and potentially harmful. These messages often impersonate legitimate organizations to steal personal information. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to block and report these unwanted texts on your US phone.

What Are Suspicious Text Messages?

Suspicious text messages are unsolicited communications that attempt to deceive recipients into revealing personal or financial information. They may appear to come from trusted entities like banks, government agencies, or service providers. These messages often contain urgent requests or enticing offers to prompt immediate action. For example, a message claiming to be from your bank, asking you to verify account details via a link, is a common smishing tactic. (tomsguide.com)

How Can I Block Suspicious Text Messages on My Phone?

For iPhone Users:

Filter Unknown Senders:

Go to Settings > Messages.
Toggle on Filter Unknown Senders.
This will separate messages from unknown contacts into a separate tab, reducing clutter. (guidingtech.com)

Block Specific Senders:

Open the Messages app.
Select the conversation from the sender you wish to block.
Tap the contact's name at the top, then tap Info.
Scroll down and select Block this Caller. (guidingtech.com)

For Android Users:

Enable Spam Protection:

Open the Messages app.
Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Settings.
Tap Spam protection and toggle on Enable spam protection.
This feature helps identify and filter out spam messages. (mcafee.com)

Block Specific Senders:

Open the Messages app.
Select the conversation from the sender you wish to block.
Tap the three-dot menu and choose Details.
Tap Block and report spam. (guidingtech.com)

How Can I Report Suspicious Text Messages?

Reporting suspicious messages helps authorities and carriers take action against scammers:

Forward to 7726 (SPAM):
Forward the suspicious message to 7726.
This service is supported by most major US carriers and helps identify and block spam messages. (uscellular.com)
Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
Visit the FTC's Complaint Assistant to file a report.
This assists in tracking and addressing fraudulent activities. (usa.gov)

What Are the Risks of Engaging with Suspicious Text Messages?

Engaging with suspicious messages can lead to:

Identity Theft: Providing personal information can allow scammers to steal your identity.
Financial Loss: Clicking on malicious links may lead to unauthorized transactions or charges.
Increased Spam: Responding or clicking links can confirm your number is active, leading to more spam messages. (legalclarity.org)

How Can I Prevent Receiving Suspicious Text Messages?

While it's challenging to eliminate all unwanted messages, you can reduce their frequency by:

Registering with the National Do Not Call Registry:
Visit DoNotCall.gov to add your number to the registry.
This helps reduce telemarketing calls but may not stop all unsolicited messages. (usa.gov)
Using Third-Party Apps:
Consider apps like RoboKiller that block spam calls and texts.
These apps maintain databases of known spam numbers and can help filter out unwanted messages. (kiplinger.com)

How Can I Protect Myself from Smishing Attacks?

To safeguard against smishing:

Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: Treat unexpected messages requesting personal information as suspicious.
Verify Through Official Channels: Contact the organization directly using known contact information to confirm the legitimacy of the message.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common smishing tactics and regularly update your security practices. (consumer.ftc.gov)

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of suspicious messages you receive and protect your personal information.