Ever replied to a spam message with STOP or UNSUBSCRIBE? If so, you’re setting yourself up for even more annoyance. You rightfully think that you’re ending the noise, but you’ll make it worse.
Why? Spammers are hitting up as many people as possible, searching for working contact information. When you interact, you’re saying, “Yes, this phone number belongs to someone!” That’s great news for them. It lets them know you’re a real person they should target more often.
Instead, take these steps:
- For an email: Mark as spam, then hit delete.
- For a text: Block the phone number and mark the message as spam. Then, hit the delete button.
You can also forward spam texts to 7726 (that spells “SPAM”). You’ll get back a message from your carrier asking you to reply with the phone number that sent the offending text. It only takes a minute and can help stop some spam campaigns.
If you have an iPhone:
- Find the spam message. Press down on it until a menu pops up.
- Press More. Then, tap on the arrow icon.
- Now, you’ll see a forwarded message. Tap on the To: field. Then, enter 7726 and send the message.
If you use an Android phone:
- Hold down on the spam message.
- Hit the forward arrow.
- Send the message to 7726.
Want to be a superhero?
Go beyond the call of duty, contact the FTC and file a formal complaint. While this step requires more time and effort, it’s an excellent way to fight against spammers. Consider it your good deed for the day.
Go further and get your number out of their hands for good
People search sites — also called data broker sites, along with a bunch of other names — are one way your number makes it onto so many spam lists. You can go through and delete yourself, or go the convenient route and have Incogni do it for you.
Incogni removes your info from 180+ sites. It took me three minutes to go through the sign-up process, then they get to work removing you. You don’t have to lift a finger after that initial setup. So great.
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