5 Easy Steps How to Effectively Block Spam Messages

Nobody likes spam messages. They're a nuisance, and even dangerous for non-tech-savvy people who won't know they are being spammed unless a tech-savvy family member tells them. Especially for the former, it is even a little more challenging to get rid of spam texts, since they are the main, vulnerable targets of these annoying text messages.

But there are easy ways to effectively block spam texts from anonymous senders bugging your peace and filling up your inbox. In this anti-spam guide, we give you a step-by-step guide along with other tips for blocking spam texts that falsely promise jobs, incentives, freebies, and extra income.

What is a spam text message?

A spam message is defined as any type of unsolicited communication from random people, either through the internet or through an electronic text messaging service. On mobile devices, unsolicited text messages come from unknown senders in any messaging app.

These unwanted text messages mostly, if not all the time, aim to direct a user toward a product or service by making them click on a hyperlink. They also dupe the spam recipients that they won something, usually a big sum of money, and then they will direct the recipient to a site or ask them to call them back to claim their prize, only to steal their personal information if they do.

How am I getting spam messages?

This is a common query that is asked by a multitude of people receiving spam texts and even spam calls through random phone calls. Besides, you don't remember entering any of your personal information online. Or even if you did, how come a random number is able to track you and personalize their text by mentioning your name, as though the unknown sender really knows you?

It does not take rocket science to know how spammers are able to get your personal information. This all boils down to a data breach, and mobile network providers are partially accountable for this. In the Philippines, the Senate conducted an inquiry into the proliferation of spam messages targeting practically everybody who has a registered sim card, which means even senators themselves have experienced receiving such texts.

This also prompted a boost in the eventual passage of the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) Registration Bill, which aims to eliminate crimes involving scams and spam messages by mandating end-users to input their personal information for easier tracking in the event of a crime involving the use of a phone number.

Easy steps to block spam text messages

Just recently, major telecommunications company player, Globe, issued a statement telling subscribers that it will temporarily block spam messages containing Uniform Resource Locators (URLs). This will ensure that the websites in the text message will not be clickable, rendering it useless for the spammer. This is a thumbs-up decision for Filipinos who are simply annoyed when they receive texts containing their personal information, with a suspicious link tempting them off to go to, especially if it promises something such as easy money.

Without further ado, stay with us and read on for this easy guide to effectively block a spam message content from your mobile device.

1. Simply don't reply

The actual power that spam messages hold is the moment you respond to them. Some netizens on social media post a screenshot of them replying flippantly to the text messages, for humor's sake. While they may be a harmless joke, this is completely inadvisable. By simply not replying, you refuse to be a victim of their scamming.

2. Block unknown senders

Filter unknown senders. Better yet, block them. This will enable spammers to not reach you again by permanently blocking the unregistered numbers texting you. For Android and iPhone, there are built-in blocking options that you can use to get rid of the unknown numbers.

For iPhone users, you can block an unknown texter by going to that particular conversation and tapping the number at the top. Then click the contact icon button, and scroll down until you find the "Block this caller" command.

For Android phone users, meanwhile, launch the Messaging application and tap the three-dot icon in the upper right portion of your screen. Then click "Details" followed by "Block Contact." Take note that this is not applicable to all Android phone users, but that is the gist.

3. Install anti-spam apps

Enable spam protection option by installing any of the third-party apps that offer anti-spam filters to help you in effectively blocking spam messages from ruthless scammers.

For Android users, anti-spam applications such as Call Control, Calls Blocklist, and Key Messages are potent tools versus spamming. For iPhone users, anti-spam apps like Hiya, VeroSMS, and TrueCaller are recommended against spam messages.

4. Inform your network provider

Reporting spam texts to your network provider means you're actively seeking their eradication. It's time-consuming, but it's better than not doing anything to combat its proliferation. Join Globe's #StopSpam campaign by making screenshots of spam messages you received and upload them to their website. This will ensure that the scammers will be held accountable and their modus operandi will be challenged, to put it mildly. This will also prevent the unknown number from victimizing many others.

5. Don't click on hyperlinks

Most of the time spam texts contain clickable links that direct a user to another page or document. Spammers may know if you clicked on it, provided information, or has completely ignored their modus. If you actually clicked on a hyperlink, that makes you a target to be persistently pursued by these diabolical scammers. No matter how it sparks your curiosity as to what will happen if you clicked on the link, do not fall for their scam. Chances are they will steal information that you have voluntarily provided and use it with illegal transactions at your expense.

To sum, spam messages are irritating for those who are aware they're receiving spam texts, while it's hazardous for those downright unaware. It makes them frequent targets of these disgraceful scammers. Not responding, blocking their numbers, and reporting it to your local network provider are your best weapons to counter their evil schemes.

Get Rid of Spams and Use Lumina E-text for Account Updates

Lumina Homes fully supports legislation that will help eliminate spam text messages and consequently save many Filipinos from falling prey to these criminal acts. To service our Lumina Homes residents, meanwhile, making requests for statements of account and other documents will be made easier with Lumina E-text, which was launched in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Send your inquiries through Lumina E-text with the following contact numbers: (0919) 072-1399 or (0917) 818-1875. Your inquiries will be responded to accordingly.

For those who have bought their affordable house and lot through Lumina Homes, Lumina E-text is a convenient method for requesting their statements of account. For outstanding balance inquiry, text LUMINABILL<space>10-DIGIT SALES ORDER NUMBER. To know your last credited or posted payment, text LUMINALASTPAY <space> 10-DIGIT SALES ORDER NUMBER. For the complete list of doable transactions via Lumina E-text, read more here: Lumina Homes Launches Lumina E-text

If you have a prospect of buying an affordable house and lot for sale or plan to venture into a real estate investment, you can send us your homebuying and investment inquiries through our Lumina website and other social media channels. Rest assured that one of our Lumina Homes' associates will promptly respond to your queries about having a house and lot in the Philippines!