How to stop spam text messages: 7 easy strategies

While the Australian government has adopted measures to limit unwanted spam or commercial text messages, it hasn’t stopped scammers from sending unsolicited texts.

Spam messages are often from annoying advertisers, but some can be scammers trying to trick you into sharing personal information.

Here’s how to stop spam text messages and handle them safely.

1. Don’t respond

Replying to spam can lead to more of it. Even if you suspect a text in innocent (albeit annoying) spam, they may not always be what they seem. If you’re actually dealing with a scammer, responding with "STOP" or "UNSUBSCRIBE" can confirm to them that your number is active.

In either case, simply ignoring spam will not eliminate all unwanted messages, but it can reduce the volume of real spam over time.

If you suddenly receive a high volume of spam messages, it’s possible that your number was part of a data breach. In this case, a scammer (or multiple) might be targeting you. If something feels off, either in the contents or the frequency of the spam messages, do not respond.

2. Block spam texters

When you block a phone number, you won’t receive a spam text, smishing attack, or robocall from that number again. Many text spammers use multiple numbers, so you may have to block new spam text messages from different phone numbers as you receive them.

Follow the steps below to learn how to block spam messages on iPhones and Android devices.

How to block spam messages on iPhone

To help boost your iPhone’s security, you can block text messages on an iPhone by following these steps:

1. Tap the phone number at the top of the spam message.
2. Tap the Info button.
3. Select Block this Caller.
4. Tap Block Contact.

How to block spam messages on Android

To help boost your Android security, you can block text messages on an Android by following these steps:

1. Tap the three-dot icon at the top-right corner of the spam message.
2. Tap Block & report spam.

3. Report spam text messages

After you block the number sending spam text messages, you should report it as spam to your carrier. You can do this by forwarding the message to 0429 999 88. After you’ve forwarded the message, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) can investigate the text and number.

How to report spam text messages on iPhone

On an iPhone, open the message from an unknown sender, tap Report Junk at the bottom, then select Delete and Report Junk. This sends the message to Apple and removes it from your device.

For extra protection, you can also forward the spam message to 0429 999 88 to report it to your carrier.

How to report spam text messages on Android

Follow the same steps you would follow to block spam on iPhone.

4. Enable spam filters

You can also help stop unwanted texts by using spam filters. Both iPhones and Android phones have spam filters designed to weed out unwanted spam and commercial messages.

How to filter spam on iPhone

To filter unwanted spam texts on an iPhone, start in your Settings app. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Go to Settings and select Apps.
2. Select Messages, then scroll to and select Filter Unknown Sender.

How to filter spam text messages on Android

To filter spam messages on Android, navigate to Messages first. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Go to Messages and tap your profile icon.
2. Select Settings, then tap Protection & Safety.
3. Select Spam protection.

Since there are so many types of Androids, the steps may vary depending on your device. On some Android devices, the process for filtering out spam numbers will look more like this:

1. Open Google Messages (the default messaging app on most Androids), then tap your profile picture or initials in the top right corner of the screen.
2. Tap Messages settings.
3. Tap Spam protection.
4. Turn on Enable spam protection.

5. Use third-party spam protection apps

Your carrier’s built-in features offer a first line of defence, but adding a third-party spam-blocking app can create an extra barrier between scammers and your inbox. These apps often provide more advanced filters, real-time detection, and customisable controls that go beyond basic carrier tools, helping reduce clutter and protect your personal information.

Some third-party options include:

• Norton 360: AI-powered scam detection features help you spot text scams masquerading as regular marketing spam, reducing your risk of interacting with malicious content.
• Truecaller: Offers global spam detection with a huge database of spam numbers and SMS filtering.

Not all spam messages are scams — but it can be hard to tell. With Norton 360 Deluxe, you’re getting an extra pair of eyes to see the difference. With in-built, AI-powered scam detection, just take a screenshot of a suspected scam text, then paste the screenshot into the tool. Within seconds, Norton analyses the content, flags potential scams, and helps you decide whether or not the text is legit.

6. Manage your online footprint

Spammers collect phone numbers from data brokers, social media, and public records. When your number appears on a website, forum, or profile, others can copy and sell it to third parties without you knowing. From there, it can spread across multiple databases for both marketers and scammers. You can reduce this risk by cleaning up your digital footprint.

Start by running a quick search of your name and phone number to see where they appear. You can request removal from data broker sites or use a service to do it for you. Tighten your social media privacy settings and avoid posting personal details, like your phone number, on public profiles or in online groups to make it harder for spammers and scammers to find you.

7. List your number on the ACMA Do Not Call Register

While it doesn’t stop spam text messages, you can reduce unwanted spam calls by registering your phone number with the Do Not Call Register. The register is a secure database that lets you opt out of most unsolicited telemarketing calls and faxes. 

Once you sign up, your number will stay on the register indefinitely, and telemarketers have 30 days to recognise the registration of your number and stop contacting you. 

What to do if you get spam text messages

If you get a spam text, avoid responding and don’t click any links. It’s also best practice to ensure your phone is always updated, your data is backed up, and scam protection is installed. This way, should you receive a scam message that looks like innocent spam, your phone will be ready to defend you.

These steps help prevent scams and unwanted messages.

• Do not respond: Replying confirms your number is active and may lead to more spam or scam texts.
• Don’t click any links: Links in spam text messages may actually be part of a scam and can install malware or lead to phishing sites.
• Keep software updated: Updates fix security vulnerabilities that scammers can exploit.
• Regularly back up your phone: Protects your data in case malware compromises your device.
• Invest in scam protection: Use apps or services like Norton 360 Deluxe that can help detect scams hiding amongst the spam messages you receive. If a spam message looks fishy, take a screenshot and pop it in Norton — if the text is a scam, we’ll tell you in seconds.

Protect yourself from scammers and hackers

If a spam text feels suspicious, don’t reply or click any links. For added protection, get Norton 360 Deluxe. Norton uses AI-powered scam protection to detect threats and guard against malware, phishing, and unsafe websites, protecting you against potential scam messages that sneak through spam filters.

FAQs

Why am I getting spam text messages?

You may be getting spam text messages because your phone number ended up on a marketing list, or because automated tools randomly generated it. Most spam text messages are just unwanted promotions, but some could be scammers trying to steal your personal information. Either way, ignore the message and block the number.

What happens after I report a spam text message to 0429 999 888?

Reporting spam to 0429 999 888 allows the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to investigate and potentially take action to prevent the sender from spamming again. After reporting a spam text, the ACMA may collect the phone number and other information as needed to inform its anti-spam compliance work and take enforcement action where warranted. If you get a scam text message, report it to ScamWatch.

Is it okay to read spam text messages?

You can safely read a spam text if you don’t click any links in the message or respond to the sender. The SMS format doesn’t automatically start downloading links or files.