Why You’re Getting So Many Spam Texts (And How to Stop Them)
Why You're Getting So Many Spam Texts — And How to Make Them Stop
If your phone has been buzzing nonstop with random messages about winning gift cards, claiming fake packages, or tapping suspicious links, you’re not imagining it — spam texts are on the rise. What used to be a rare annoyance is now a daily frustration for many people. These unwanted messages aren’t just irritating — they can be actively harmful, leading to scams, stolen personal information, or malware on your device.
In recent years, spam texts have become more frequent and more convincing. Some impersonate companies like Amazon or USPS, while others pretend to offer rewards or demand immediate action to “avoid account suspension.” Whether they come from odd phone numbers, email addresses, or short codes, the goal is usually the same: to trick you into clicking or responding.
At TechPals, we hear about this constantly: “Why am I suddenly getting so many spam messages?” and “How can I make them stop?” You’re not alone — and you’re not helpless. This guide breaks down why these messages are showing up, how your number may have ended up on spam lists, and most importantly, what you can do to block, report, and prevent them. It’s time to take back control of your inbox — with help from TechPals.
What Counts as a Spam Text?
Spam texts are unwanted, unsolicited messages sent to your phone — usually by scammers, spammers, or shady marketers. Some are easy to spot (“You’ve won a $100 gift card!”), while others are more sophisticated (“Your Amazon package is delayed — click here to reschedule”).
They often:
Come from strange numbers (like “47382”) or email addresses
Include links or phone numbers to call
Try to make you panic or act fast
Pretend to be from a real company (Amazon, FedEx, Netflix, etc.)
Ask for personal or financial information
And unfortunately, even careful users can end up receiving them.
Why Am I Getting Spam Texts?
If you’re wondering how these people got your number, you’re not alone. Here are a few of the most common ways your number may have ended up on a spammer’s list:
1. Online Forms and Contests
If you’ve entered your number into a sweepstakes, giveaway, or random online form — especially on an unfamiliar site — there’s a chance that information was sold or leaked.
2. Public Records and Data Breaches
Your number might already be available through public databases or past data breaches. Many spam operations buy lists of phone numbers in bulk.
3. Recycled or Shared Numbers
If you recently got a new number, it may have been used by someone else before — someone who signed up for spammy things.
4. You Clicked or Replied
Sometimes, responding to a spam message or clicking a suspicious link confirms to the sender that your number is active — and that can lead to even more messages.
Types of Spam Texts to Watch Out For
Not all spam is the same. Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Scam Links
These texts try to get you to click a link that may lead to a phishing site, fake login page, or malicious download.
Example: “We couldn’t deliver your package. Please confirm address: bit.ly/XYZ”
2. Fake Prize Warnings
You didn’t enter a contest — but somehow you won a TV?
Example: “You’ve been selected! Claim your $1000 Best Buy gift card here.”
3. Financial Scams
These texts pretend to be from your bank or credit card provider and ask you to verify info.
Example: “Suspicious login detected. Confirm account activity: [phishing site]”
4. Political or Survey Spam
Sometimes spam isn’t malicious — just pushy. But it’s still unwanted.
Example: “Take this quick survey to support your candidate!”
5. Text-to-Email Spam
These often come from an email address instead of a phone number and are harder to block.
How to Stop Spam Texts: Step-by-Step
1. Don’t Respond
Even if the message says “Reply STOP to unsubscribe,” don’t engage unless you’re 100% sure it’s from a real company you recognize.
Why? Scammers use these responses to confirm that your number is active — and then they send even more spam.
2. Block the Number
While spammers often rotate numbers, blocking can still help cut down on future messages from the same source.
On iPhone:
Open the message
Tap the number at the top
Tap Info
Scroll down and tap Block this Caller
On Android:
Open the message
Tap the three dots (top right)
Tap Block or Details, then Block
3. Report the Message
You can forward spam texts to 7726 — which spells “SPAM” on your keypad. This is a free service supported by most major U.S. carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to report spam messages.
How to report:
Tap and hold the spam text
Choose Forward
Enter 7726 as the recipient
Hit Send
This won’t stop all future spam, but it helps your carrier filter out similar messages.
4. Filter Unknown Senders
This won’t block spam texts completely, but it can move them to a separate tab so they’re not cluttering your main inbox.
On iPhone:
Go to Settings → Messages
Toggle on Filter Unknown Senders
On Android:
Settings may vary by device, but look for:
Messages app → Settings
Find Spam protection, Block numbers, or Message categories
If you can’t find the right setting, visit techpals.org and we’ll walk you through it.
5. Use a Call & Text Blocking App
There are several apps designed specifically to filter spam texts and calls.
Some popular ones include:
Hiya
RoboKiller
Truecaller
Nomorobo
Just keep in mind that some features may require a subscription.
6. Turn Off Text Forwarding from Email
Many spam texts come from email-to-text gateways. You can ask your carrier to block texts that come from email addresses.
For example:
AT&T: Text “BLOCK” to 7726
T-Mobile: Enable filtering via your account settings
Verizon: Use verizon.com to manage blocking options
Need help figuring this out? That’s what TechPals is here for.
What to Do If You Clicked a Suspicious Link
Accidentally tapped on something? Don’t panic — but do take a few steps:
Close the browser tab immediately
Don’t enter any info (if you haven’t already)
Run a virus/malware scan if possible (especially on Android)
Change any passwords you think might be at risk
Visit techpals.org for next steps and peace of mind
We’ll help you figure out whether you’re in the clear — or if any damage control is needed.
How to Tell the Difference Between Spam and Legitimate Messages
Sometimes even real messages from companies can feel spammy. So how do you know what’s real?
Look for:
A known contact name or company
A clear purpose (e.g., appointment reminder)
No misspellings or shady links
A way to opt out that matches past messages you’ve received
Red flags:
Generic greeting (“Dear Customer”)
Urgent or threatening tone (“Act now or your account will be suspended!”)
Suspicious links (especially shortened ones like bit.ly)
Requests for personal info
When in doubt, don’t click — and don’t respond. Go directly to the company’s website instead.
Myth: “My Number’s Out There, So There’s Nothing I Can Do”
Not true.
Even if your number has been leaked or sold, there are still steps you can take to reduce spam and protect your privacy going forward. It might not go away 100% — but it can get better.
You don’t have to live with constant scam messages. And you’re not overreacting by trying to stop them.
Final Thoughts
Spam texts aren’t just annoying — they can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. But with a few simple steps, you can stop them from piling up and lower your risk of falling for a scam.
At TechPals, we believe tech should feel safe and manageable — not stressful or overwhelming. Whether you need help blocking numbers, setting up filters, or figuring out if a message is legit, we’re here for you.
If your phone is filling up with spam, don’t wait. Visit techpals.org and let us help you sort it out.
Remember:
Never click on suspicious links or reply to unknown numbers
Use your phone’s built-in tools to block and report spam
Get help if you’re unsure what’s real — that’s what TechPals is for
TechPals (and yes, Tech Pals) is your trusted guide to staying safe, smart, and stress-free in the digital world.
