Spam texts aren't just annoying. Some are designed to get you to click a link, respond to a fake alert or hand over personal or financial information.
For Palm Coast and Flagler County residents, there's an easy four-digit number worth remembering when unwanted or suspicious texts start showing up on your phone:
7726 = SPAM. Easy one to remember.
If you receive an unwanted or suspicious text message, copy or forward the message to 7726 (SPAM).
The report goes to your wireless provider and can help carriers identify similar unwanted messages and improve their spam filtering and blocking systems.
Depending on your carrier, you may receive a reply asking for the phone number that sent the original message.
Your phone may also have a built-in Report Junk or Report Spam option that you can use.
Use spam reporting for genuinely unwanted messages, spam, scams or suspected phishing — not simply because you no longer want to hear from a legitimate business you recognize.
A text from a legitimate local business isn't necessarily a scam simply because you don't want to receive its messages anymore.
If it's a business you recognize and you simply don't want the messages, use its legitimate unsubscribe or opt-out option when appropriate, or block the number.
Reporting your local business isn't the same thing as getting rid of spam. Save scam and phishing reports for suspicious or deceptive messages, and use normal opt-out or blocking tools for legitimate messages you simply don't want anymore.
Scam texts are often designed to create urgency. You may be told that a package couldn't be delivered, a toll wasn't paid, your bank account has a problem or you've won something.
Don't click a suspicious link or reply to the message just to see what happens.
If the message claims to come from your bank, delivery company, toll agency or another organization you recognize, contact that organization using a phone number, app or website you already know is legitimate — not the contact information or link contained in the text.
Once you've reported a suspicious message, delete it.
Yes. Wireless providers use information reported through 7726 to help identify unwanted messaging patterns and improve spam filters and blocking tools. One report may seem small, but it contributes information that can help carriers recognize similar messages.
For genuine spam or suspicious messages, you can report the message and then block or delete it. If the message is from a legitimate business you recognize and you simply don't want its texts anymore, use the business's legitimate opt-out method when appropriate or block the number instead.
Don't provide any additional information. If you entered a password, banking information, credit card number, Social Security number or other sensitive information, secure the affected accounts immediately. Change compromised passwords and contact the appropriate financial institution when necessary. IdentityTheft.gov also provides recovery steps if personal information has been exposed.
