Spam text messages have become one of the recurring mobile device nuisances of the 21st century. A question that many of us ask ourselves is “how you can stop receiving text spam messages?”

First, we have to define what a spam text message is. Spam text messages are any unsolicited, unexpected text messages you get on your phone. They usually contain advertising content or—a much worse alternative—a call to action that makes the recipient reveal their personal information. The real annoyance here is that some recipients could be charged a fee for the messages they receive, without their consent or authorization.

It is illegal to send spam text messages, so you have every right to report and fight them. How you can put an end to this menace? Continue reading to find out

How do you recognize a spam text message?

• The message sounds too impersonal
• The number is spoofed
• The text has an urgent tone
• The offer seems too good to be true
• Content has some serious grammar and spelling errors
• The message states it’s not spam

Text Message Is Impersonal

If you get a message with a generic “Hello” instead of a more personal approach—like being addressed by your name—chances are, it’s spam.

The Number Is Spoofed

Sometimes your friend’s number or email account might get spoofed, and this makes spam texts even more dangerous. Even if a message seemingly comes from someone you know or shows up in a group chat, you should be wary if it strikes you as odd or too formal. Avoid responding to the text or doing anything that the message instructs you to before you verify it with the person it supposedly comes from.

The Message Sounds Urgent

The urgent tone of a spam text message is more than enough to make you act without thinking things through. It is an excellent trick scammers use to make you panic and click on a malicious link or reply fast. Say you get a text that your bank account will be frozen if you don’t verify your identity immediately or, something that’s even viler, that a member of your family is at the hospital or a police station—your hasty reaction would be completely natural. If this happens to you, try to stop yourself from panicking. Know that urgent matters will never be dealt with via text messages, so the odds are you’re being a target of someone’s outrageous scam!

Too-Good-To-Be-True Spam Texts

We’d all like to get a Ksh.10,000 deposit on our bank accounts out of the blue, but winning a prize—especially if you’ve never entered a contest—is impossible. This is yet another clever trick scammers use to con naive people into revealing their personal information. This kind of smishing message will contain information about you winning a prize, but it will instruct you to leave your name, bank details, and signature. It might even redirect you to another site that will require you to give all this personal information and potentially wire funds, sign up to bogus websites, or send emails. Never act on instructions provided by too-good-to-be-true messages!

Suspicious Typos and Grammar Mistakes

You get a text from your service provider—or other big companies that are abused in all phishing scams—but you know deep down it’s wrong. It’s filled with grammar and spelling errors that a company of world-class calibre wouldn’t allow. If you notice spelling mistakes or unnatural language, ignore the text and contact the company via other channels to check whether the text is a potential scam and, if so, report it.

The Spam Text Hidden in Plain Sight

You get a spam text that says it’s not a spam text. It seems ridiculous and obvious, but some people tend to be trusting and unsuspecting. If you get a message from an unidentified sender that states it’s not spam—know that it most definitely is spam.

Why Block Spam Text Messages?

You’re likely interested in learning how to block spam texts because let’s face it, they’re annoying. But spam text messages can also be dangerous. They can even open you up to identity theft. That’s why it’s so important to immediately address and block spam texts. (It’s also important to follow best practices when you receive unwanted messages. For example, never click on a link included in a spam text.)

How to Stop Spam Texts

Let’s get down to the nuts and bolts of how to stop spam texts as an individual. You may have to try a few options before you find one that works the best for you and your specific needs.

Text STOP to any Spam Messages

According to the Data Protection laws, all businesses must stop texting you if you reply with a commonly recognized opt-out term. All subsequent texts would be firmly illegal. STOP is one of the most common options. You may also use STOP, STOPALL, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, and QUIT.

DIAL 4569*5# TO STOP NOTIFICATIONS

Use Built-In Blocking Options on Your iPhone

Your iPhone offers a blocking feature that can block both calls and texts. Click the arrow below the sender’s number at the top of the spam text. Then, tap the “i” in the menu that opens up. In the next menu, click “info,” then select “Block this Caller.”

Use Built-In Blocking Options on Your Android Device

If you own an Android phone, look for three dots in the top right-hand corner of the spam text. Then select the option to “Block Contact.”

Rely on Your Carrier’s Blocking Tools

Each cellular service carrier also offers its unique blocking tools. For example, Safaricom offers a blocking service for subscribers who want to opt-out of promotional text messages. Check with your carrier to see what blocking tools they offer.

Purchase a Third-Party App

There are third-party apps available to help filter out unwanted texts. For example, Nomorobo blocks suspected phone calls and potential spam texts. Robokiller is another tool that filters out spam texts. Both of these are recommended by industry experts—though you will have to pay for them.

Report the Sender to Your Carrier

If none of those options works—or if you’d like to prevent these bad actors from spamming other people—you can report them to your carrier. In most cases, you’ll simply need to copy the original text and send it to a number specified by your carrier.