Many mobile phone users might be wondering how to block SPAM text messages. Unfortunately now that text marketing has really taken off in popularity, some companies are finding illegal ways to continue to send messages to mobile phone users, also known as SPAM.
Learning how to block SPAM text messages is a great way to get rid of those annoying messages from vendors that you didn’t sign up for in the first place, but continue to use up the number of messages you have in your texting plan. For those without a texting plan, these SPAM text messages can be even more annoying and costly. There are a few ways to learn how to block SPAM text messages. Depending on the type of phone you have, you can block SPAM text messages pretty easily.
With text marketing really taking off in popularity among many online and store front business owners, there are also some companies that are taking advantage of this technology and using it for illegal purposes. When a company signs up for service with text marketing company there are certain regulations that must be followed according to the Mobile Marketing Association. The MMA strictly prohibits sending text messages for marketing purposes that are not received on an opt-in basis. This means that the receiver of the messages has to have signed up for the service or have been given the opportunity to opt out of the service by replying to the message with STOP TO CANCEL. This is how SMS marketing companies know who they can legally send messages to or not. The companies that send these messages to a person’s cell phone via text message without permission, is doing so in violation of the MMA. The best way to get rid of these companies from continuing to SPAM your text message inbox is to block the number from your phone. It is also helpful to report the company and its number or short code to the MMA or your mobile wireless carrier.
To block SPAM text messages from your phone, you can go about blocking the numbers individually as you receive the messages. You can also go about using various phone calling systems that will prevent all of these SPAM calls and text messages from coming in the first place. The easiest way to go about blocking SPAM text messages is to simply block them entirely by calling your mobile phone service provider. Simply call the customer support number and you can get the messages to stop coming. However, this is really only a viable option for those cell phone owners that do not wish to use text messages at all. If you are not one of those people and want to continue texting family, friends and other known contacts, then it is better to block the numbers individually. This can sometimes be done by contacting your cell phone service provider again. Sometimes they are able to block individual numbers from calling or texting you. However, a lot of these SPAM text messages come from computers instead of another cell phone. This can be more difficult for cell phone owners to block directly.
If you have a smart phone, there are other calling systems like Google Voice that you can use to block calls and SPAM texts as well as report them as such. Google Voice employs a call screening system where the caller must indicate who they are and the receiver has to chance to allow the call or hang up for accepting the call. There are also other security software applications that can be used with most smart phone operating systems to help block SPAM text messages. If you have other types of phones that are more basic, the best way to learn how to block SPAM text messages is to simply block each number individually by calling your carrier each time. While it can be more annoying and time consuming, it is usually worth it. In addition, the best way for any cell phone owner to block SPAM text messages is to be careful what kinds of services and programs you sign up for. There are many services that are legitimate and will offer great discounts and promotions on services and products for their business via mobile marketing. However, it is also important to realize that some of these companies are not as reputable and will illegally sell your phone number to other SPAM marketers. Be careful who you give your phone number to as a way to block SPAM text messages.