SMS Security 101: How to Block Spam Texts and Scam Messages

Posted on: Mar 14, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

SMS Security 101: How to Block Spam Texts and Scam Messages

Spam messages are annoying and can often be dangerous. They can lead to identity theft and compromise your bank and social media accounts. If you haven't installed a spam blocker, these messages can trick you into clicking malicious links or dialling fraudulent phone numbers, thus stealing your sensitive information and money. They have made cyber insurance all the more important these days. However, the first step to protect yourself and your money is still blocking them. Before you rush to buy cyber insurance for family, let us tell you how to block spam text.

A 7-Step Guide to Identify Scam Text Messages

Before replying blindingly to any text messages, wait, read, and pay attention to these 7 things:

1. Relevance

Is the message unexpected and unprompted? It could be a message regarding an issue with delivery or payment or a prize contest. Carefully examine if you have made any purchases or payments or participated in contests recently. If the answer is no, then the message is a scam.

2. Urgency

Is the text asking you to act urgently? When pressured into taking quick action, chances are high that you will not stop and consider its authenticity. This makes it easier for scammers to steal your information. For example, the spam SMS could say your debit card is blocked for not changing the PIN or malicious transaction. Click on this link now to change the PIN or confirm you have authorised this transaction to stop your card from being blocked. Never take action on these messages. Go to the nearest ATM of your bank and confirm if your card is blocked, and then take necessary action.

3. Errors in Spelling and Grammar

Often, spam messages come with awkward sentences, unusual spacing, spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Pay attention to them to identify a spam SMS from an authentic one.

4. Inaccuracy

If the message says suspicious activity in your bank account, don't access your accounts through the message. Use the Bank's website to confirm the claim. Similarly, if you receive a message from an unknown number by the name of your friend asking for financial help, always call and confirm first. Don't initiate unsolicited contact via SMS for sensitive information, even if the name contains familiar brand names.

5. Unidentified Number

Legitimate businesses send messages from identified and recognized messages. Scam messages usually come from unidentified numbers.

6. Suspicious Links

When a legitimate company sends you a shortened link, it often displays the link-shortening services they have used, like Bit.ly or TinyURL. However, suspicious links will not carry any sign displaying the use of such services.

7. Incorrect Branding

Scam SMSes usually carry misspelt brand names in messages and URLs. The links will also appear different from the companies they pretend to be sent from. Also, look out for added symbols, digits, and unnatural subdomains.

A User's Manual for Reporting and Blocking Spam

It is extremely easy to report a spam message. Here's how to block spam text:

1. Reporting a Conversation:

• Long press the conversation you want to report

• Click on Block or

• Check the box beside Report Spam

• Click OK

2. Block from Inside the Conversation:

• Go to three vertical dots or More Options

• Select Block and Report Spam

• Click Ok

What to Do When Unwanted Texts Arrive

We have explained how to block spam text, but before you do that, here is your guide on how to deal with it.

1. Don't Click on Links

These messages usually carry malware or malicious software that can access or copy the saved login details from your device. They get downloaded when you click on the links without you knowing. If you think you have clicked on the link, scan your device for viruses and malware.

2. Don't Call the Number

Don't call the number the unwanted text came from or any number included in the text. They will try to find out more about you to steal your identity and money.

3. Don't Reply

Replying will indicate that your number is active. They will further try to trick you and keep targeting you.

4. Don't Provide any Information

These messages usually ask for sensitive information, like usernames, passwords, OTP, card details. Please don't enter any details on any website you access from links in them.

5. Block Messages from That Particular Number

We have told you how to block spam text. So, use those steps to block all incoming messages from that number. However, spammers keep using new numbers, so it will not stop you from getting spammed.

FAQs

1. Can I automatically block spam texts?

Yes, you can automatically block spam texts. Go to your message settings, click on Spam protection and enable it. You can also use premium apps like Truecaller to automatically block them.

2. How do I report spam SMS in India?

Copy the message you want to report and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). It helps your wireless provider to find and block similar messages. You can also report it on your messaging app.

3. What happens if you block a scammer?

If you block a scammer, they won't be able to contact you again from the same number.

4. Should I delete spam texts?

Yes, after you have blocked and reported the spam text, you should delete it.

5. How do I check spam SMS?

To check the messages marked as spam and blocked, go to your messaging app, click on your profile or More Options and select Spam and Blocked. You will be able to see all the messages in your spam folder.

Conclusion

This article explains in detail how to block spam text and identify and report it. It also emphasizes how they can lead to identity theft and leak sensitive information. It recognizes the urgency of safeguarding against malicious links and fraudulent activities that could jeopardize personal and financial security. You can call the customer care of your sim card carrier to report persistent spam texts. They can help you block and filter spam messages in a way you can't. We hope this article helps you protect your sensitive data and money from spammers. Be cautious, stay safe, and don't click on any links you don't recognize.

Disclaimer The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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