Every day brings a fresh batch of spam texts and emails flooding our inboxes. Spam is more than just annoying; it’s often a vehicle for scams or attempts to infect your device with malware. If you’re tired of dealing with spam, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
Scammers employ various tactics to make their spam messages appear legitimate, hoping to lure you into clicking on links and divulging personal or financial information. Your passwords, bank account details, and Social Security numbers are particularly valuable to them. With access to such information, scammers can attempt to steal your money or identity, or both.
To minimize spam and avoid falling victim to scams:
Utilize filters: Take advantage of your mobile phone’s filtering options to block texts from unknown senders. Apple, Google and most others provide this service. Additionally, consider using call blocking apps or services provided by your wireless carrier. Email providers like Gmail often have robust spam filters enabled by default. If spam sneaks into your inbox, mark it as junk or spam.
Safeguard personal information: Before sharing personal details online, via email, or in text messages, pause and question why the recipient requires this information and what they intend to do with it. Never disclose your Social Security number to unsolicited contacts.
Opt out of unwanted emails: Reduce the influx of unwanted emails by unsubscribing from mailing lists. This minimizes the risk of inadvertently clicking on links that could lead to phishing scams.
Report suspicious messages: Take action against unwanted messages by reporting them. Utilize your phone’s “report junk” feature or forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM). Similarly, forward unwanted emails to your email provider for further action.
Educate yourself further on reducing spam texts and emails. If you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC and your state agency. Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your reports help the FTC and our law enforcement partners stop scammers.
