What is a Text Spammer – Important Things to Know

Text spammer sends spam texts to deceive users. Spam text is an unsolicited message that you receive from strangers. It is not only frustrating, but it can be harmful as well. Keep reading to find out more about it below. 

What is a Text Spammer?

A text spammer is an individual who sends numerous unsolicited messages, commonly known as spam, to various recipients. These messages often include ads, fake giveaways, phishing attempts, and content ranging from annoying to dangerous.

Text spammers may operate independently or in organized groups, utilizing specialized software to mass-message recipients. They obtain phone numbers from diverse sources, including data leaks from cyberattacks or random generation.

How do Text Spammers Work?

Text spammers want your personal info, like Social Security or credit card details. They use smishing, pretending to be someone trustworthy via text. They may pose as companies, CEOs, or loved ones to trick you into sharing personal data.

Smishing often involves links leading to fake websites. People who trust these links might unknowingly give away their info to scammers. 

Text spammers send unlimited messages and don’t care about the text quality. Those familiar with scams can easily spot their attempts, but seniors and those less aware of tech scams might be tricked.

How to Spot Spam Texts

Tricksters are getting better at making scam texts look real. They use tricks like changing the caller ID name, known as number spoofing. Here are some signs to spot a scam message:

• Check for errors: Professional messages matter. Scams often have spelling or grammar mistakes, a red flag.
• Unexpected messages: Consider how organizations usually reach out. If unsure, contact them directly. Legitimate entities won’t ask for personal details out of the blue via text.
• Irrelevant Messages:  Did you expect a delivery or enter a competition? Confirm before responding.

Examples of Text Spam

Though not all spam texts are scams, most are. Scammers use different stories to trick people. Some common examples include:

• Claiming an overcharge refund, maybe from the IRS or HMRC.
• Remove negative credit report info for a fee.
• You’ve won a prize, gift card, or coupon to claim.
• Offer for a low or no-interest credit card.
• The account shows suspicious activity; action is needed.
• Assistance to pay off student debt.
• The account was deactivated for protection and needs reactivation steps.
• Problem with payment info – take action.
• Alert about a purchase, reply if not you.
• Delivery notification: rearrange or pay the charge.

Spam text messages often create urgency, urging ‘urgent action’ or a quick reply. They request personal info like bank details, often through links leading to fake websites. Clicking and logging in may expose your credentials. Some SMS spam installs unnoticed malware, stealing your personal information.

Things to do When Receive a Spam Text

• Avoid responding

Never reply to spam texts; doing so signals to spammers that you’re a real person and a potential target. Even if they suggest replying with “text STOP,” don’t be deceived. Responding may lead to more spam texts and calls. It’s best to refrain from responding altogether.

• Keep your info private

Legitimate entities like banks or government agencies won’t seek personal or financial details through unsolicited texts. Be cautious about sharing personal data online, especially if a text urges you to ‘update’ or ‘verify’ account details.

• Avoid clicking links

Clicking links in spam texts may lead to a fraudulent website designed to steal your money or personal data. Some sites could even infect your phone with malware, potentially spying on you and slowing down your phone’s performance by using up memory space.

• Verify through the official website

If you’re uncertain about the legitimacy of a text, contact the organization directly. Use a search engine to find their website, or type the URL into your address bar. Alternatively, obtain their phone number and call to confirm.

How to Report a Spam Text

You can report spam to stay safe and help others. In the U.S., forward the spam to 7726 or SPAM. This tells your provider about the scam and stops more attempts. Use the ReportFraud website to report scams and help catch scammers. Each country has its reporting services. Look on your government’s website for more information.

How to Stop a Text Spammer?

Avoid spam texts by blocking numbers or activating spam filters on your mobile device.Blocking numbers is simple, but steps may differ based on your phone. Scammers might use different numbers each time, making manual blocking harder.

For iPhones:

• Open the text from the number.
• Tap the sender’s number.
• Click on the info (i).
• Under Details, choose Block this Caller and Block Contact.

For Android:

Open the phone app, tap the three-dot icon, and choose “Settings.” Click on “Block numbers” and choose options like unknown callers or recent calls. Pick or type the number you want to block.

How to Filter Unknown Senders on Android?

Navigate to the Messaging app and select the three dots icon at the upper right of the screen. Click on “Settings” and then go to “Spam Protection.” Scroll down until you locate “Enable Spam Protection,” and activate it by swiping the button to the right.

How to Filter Unknown Senders on iPhone?

Here’s how to unfilter unknown senders on iPhone:

• Go to Settings.
• Scroll down to Messages.
• Turn on “Filter Unknown Senders.” 

How to Stay Protected from Text Spammer?

• Carefully Share your Phone Number

Be careful when sharing your phone number online. Protect your personal information, especially on the internet, because scammers might want it for bad things. Don’t give your phone number or any personal info to strangers or untrustworthy sources to avoid getting unwanted texts and keep your privacy safe.

• Explore External Apps for Spam Protection

Many leading mobile carriers provide call-blocking services or packages allowing you to block numbers from unknown callers for a set duration. Check if third-party apps like are compatible with your carrier’s wireless service. Incorporating these third-party apps can add an extra layer of protection against text scammers reaching your inbox.

Conclusion 

Simply receiving a text message isn’t harmful, but interacting with it—such as clicking, replying, or calling—poses risks. If you suspect a message is spam, the safest action is to ignore it. However, if you do respond, consider safeguarding yourself with a digital security solution. Use Safe Browsing tools, antivirus software, and a virtual private network (VPN) to protect against harmful websites and ensure online data safety.