Symptoms
- Frequent texts from unknown numbers with links
- Texts claiming to be from delivery services, banks, or government agencies
- Messages asking you to click a link or confirm personal information
- Spam texts increased after a data breach news event
Likely causes
- CommonNumber sold or leaked to spam/marketing listsData breaches and marketing list sales are common sources of increased spam.
- CommonPhishing (smishing) attempts trying to steal personal or financial informationText-based phishing has become increasingly common and convincing.
- PossibleNumber publicly posted or scraped from an online formPublic exposure of a number increases spam targeting.
- PossibleCarrier spam filtering not enabledFree carrier-side spam protection may not be turned on by default.
What to do
- Do not click links or reply to suspicious texts, even to say 'stop', since replying can confirm your number is active.
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) if your carrier supports it, which reports them for filtering.
- Block the sending number directly in your messaging app.
- Enable your carrier's spam-filtering feature through their app or account settings.
- Never enter personal or financial information through a link sent via text, even if it looks official; go directly to the company's known website or app instead.
- Report phishing attempts to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
When to call a pro
No professional help is needed for blocking; report ongoing phishing campaigns to the FTC and your carrier.
Safety
Use caution
Never click links or enter personal or financial details from an unsolicited text, even if it looks like it's from a real bank, delivery service, or government agency.