How to Block Mobile Phone Spam

Do not reply to spam messages. If you receive a spam text messages that you did not ask for, it's important that you do not reply to it. Both legitimate and illegitimate Robo-text messages will often contain the option to text "STOP" to be removed from the distribution list. If the text message comes from a scammer, this will only confirm that your number is valid. Then they will likely sell your number to other scammers, which can result in more spam. Do not reply to any unwanted text message unless you know where it originates from.^[1]

• Legitimate marketing messages will generally contain a name, contact info, and the name of the organization they are from.^[2]
• If you're not sure if a call or text message is from a legitimate business, hang up and call the business directly on their official phone number.

Do not open any links or attachments. If you receive a spam text message or email with an attachment or a link to a website, do not open it. It may contain malware or spyware that can infect your phone.

Block repeat numbers on your phone. If you are repeatedly receiving spam from the same number, you can try to block the spam directly on your phone. The problem is that many scammers use spoof numbers that frequently change. So even if you block one spam number, you may continue to receive spam from other numbers. Still, it doesn't hurt to try. Use the following steps to block spam numbers:

• iPhone:^[3]
  • Tap a message from the spammer you want to block.
  • Tap the profile image above the spammer's number.
  • Tap the Info tab.
  • Tap Block this caller.
• Android:
  • Tap a message from the spammer you want to block.
  • Tap the icon with three dots (⋮) in the upper-right corner.
  • Tap Block [number].
  • Tap Block.

Forward spam messages to 7726 (SPAM) to report them. You can easily report spam text messages to your mobile service provider by forwarding or sending a copy of the spam message to 7726 (SPAM). Make sure the text message includes the sender's number. This works with Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. You will not receive any charges for reporting spam messages.

Enable Spam Protection (Android Only). Some Android phones allow you to enable spam protection to block spam text messages or calls. This feature is not available on all Android phones. Use the following steps to enable Spam Protection on an Android phone:

• Open the Messages app.
• Tap the icon with three dots (⋮) in the upper-right corner.
• Tap Settings.
• Tap Advanced or More Settings.
• Tap the toggle switch to enable or disable Spam Protection.

See if your mobile carrier offers a call-blocking service. Many service providers offer call-blocking services where they can use a database of known spam numbers to block you from receiving calls. These can also be useful at blocking text messages. Dial "611" on your phone to contact your mobile carrier and inquire about call and message blocking services. In some cases, these services may cost extra.

Use a third-party app to block spam messages. If neither your phone nor carrier has robust spam protection, you can use third-party apps to block spam calls and text messages, but they generally have a subscription fee. Nomorobo ($1.99 per month or $19.99 per year) can block spam calls on Android and spam calls and text messages on iPhone. Robokiller ($3.99 per month or $29.99 per year) can block spam calls and text messages on both Android and iPhone. Hiya is a free call-blocker app that can block spam calls, but not text messages. These apps are available from the Google Play Store on Android or App Store on iPhone.

• Android users will need to install Robokiller and use it as their default caller ID and spam app. Open Robokiller and tap the Settings tab. Then tap the toggle switch next to "SMS Spam Recognition" to be notified about unwanted text messages.
• iPhone users will need to install Robokiller or Nomorobo. Open the Settings app on your phone and tap Messages. Tap Unknown & Spam. Then tap the toggle switch next to Nomorobo or Robokiller. This will enable those apps to block spam on your iPhone.

Register your phone number on the Do Not Call list. Once your number is registered with the Do Not Call registry, telemarketers are required to remove your phone number from their call list and stop calling within 31 days. Regardless of whether or not you are on the Do Not Call list, it is illegal to send text messages to a mobile phone using an auto dialer without consent.^[4] You can register for the Do Not Call list at https://www.donotcall.gov/.

• You may still receive calls and text from charities, political groups, debt collectors, and surveys.