As our phones increasingly become the center of our digital lives, the threat of unwanted spam texts continues to grow. These unsolicited messages are more than just annoying—they can also put your privacy and security at risk. If you‘re a Verizon Wireless customer, you‘ve likely encountered spam texts promising free gifts, cheap health insurance, or "important account updates." But how do these spammers get your number, and what‘s the most effective way to block them?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into the world of Verizon spam texts and provide expert tips to keep your phone spam-free. With insights from industry researchers and cybersecurity pros, you‘ll learn how to identify red flags, enable Verizon‘s spam controls, and take additional steps to protect your personal information.
Verizon Spam Text Statistics and Trends
The spread of mobile phone spam is a growing issue worldwide. In the U.S. alone, consumers received an estimated 157 billion spam texts in 2022, according to spam blocking app RoboKiller. That‘s a whopping 1,500 spam texts per person over the course of the year. Spam now accounts for over 40% of all text messages sent.
Verizon reported blocking 30 billion potential spam texts in 2022, a 200% increase from the previous year. However, the carrier also noted that spammers are using more sophisticated techniques to evade detection and reach users‘ inboxes. These include:
- Number spoofing: Disguising the sender number as a local area code or imitating a legitimate business
- Snowshoe spamming: Spreading messages across many source numbers to avoid filters
- Stealth phishing: Crafting personalized messages that trick users into clicking malicious links
Image source: RoboKiller 2022 Spam Text Insights
Spam texts are more than just a nuisance—they also carry significant economic costs. The average American loses $500 per year to phone scams, according to a report by Truecaller. Spam filtering and prevention measures cost businesses and consumers over $10 billion annually. For Verizon and other carriers, fighting spam texts is a never-ending battle that requires continuous investment in new technologies and resources.
How Spammers Get Your Number
One of the most common questions about spam texts is "How did they get my number?" Unfortunately, there are many ways that spammers can obtain your mobile number, even if you‘ve never shared it publicly. These include:
- Data breaches: If your information is exposed in a corporate data breach, it may end up on lists sold to spammers.
- Online forms: Entering giveaways or signing up for freebies may opt you into receiving marketing messages.
- Mobile apps: Granting broad permissions to sketchy apps can allow them to access your contact info.
- Phishing scams: Scammers trick you into entering your number on fake websites or surveys.
- Number generators: Spammers use automated dialers to send messages to large blocks of numbers.
Scammers only need a small percentage of recipients to fall for their tricks in order to turn a profit. They acquire huge contact lists and cast a wide net, knowing that even a tiny hit rate can net them thousands of dollars.
Recognizing Verizon Spam Texts
Being able to quickly spot potential spam texts is your first line of defense. Some common types of Verizon spam include:
- "Free" offers: Messages claiming you‘ve won a prize, gift card, or vacation package
- Account alerts: Fake security alerts or payment reminders claiming to be from Verizon
- Delivery notices: Scam tracking updates for packages you didn‘t order
- Smishing: Phishing attempts that try to steal login credentials or financial info
- Malware links: Messages with shortened URLs that install viruses or spyware when clicked
Example of a common "account verification" Verizon spam text. Note the suspicious link.
If a text message seems suspicious, trust your instincts. Legitimate businesses will never ask for sensitive info like passwords or credit card numbers over text. Go directly to the company‘s official website or app instead of clicking links in messages.
Blocking Spam with Verizon Tools
Verizon offers several spam-fighting tools to help customers block unwanted texts. These include:
Verizon Spam Protection
Included free with all Verizon plans, this network-level filtering service automatically blocks suspected spam texts before they reach your phone. It uses adaptive machine learning to identify spam based on message content, sender info, and customer reports.
To check that Verizon Spam Protection is enabled:
- Log into your Verizon account on the website or My Verizon app
- Go to Account > Blocking > Spam Controls
- Toggle the Spam Protection switch to ON
Verizon claims that Spam Protection blocks 95% of spam texts across the network. However, since spammers rapidly change tactics, the system isn‘t perfect. More advanced spammers can still sneak through.
Call Filter App
For extra spam-blocking power, Verizon offers the Call Filter app for Android and iOS devices. Though primarily designed to block robocalls, Call Filter has some nice features for stopping repeat spammers:
- Block List: Manually add numbers to your personal block list
- Report Spam: Send spam texts to Verizon directly in the app
- Spam Risk Meter: See a spam score for each sender (Plus only)
- Spam Lookup: Check if a suspicious number has been reported as spam (Plus only)
The downside is that Call Filter relies heavily on your manual block list and doesn‘t proactively identify new spam texts like it does for calls. The $4.99/month Plus version adds caller ID and extra spam details but not more advanced text blocking.
Image: Verizon Call Filter spam blocking settings on Android
Report Spam to 7726
Found a spam text that got past the filters? You can forward it to Verizon‘s dedicated spam investigation team by texting it to SPAM (7726). They‘ll analyze the contents and take enforcement actions against verified spammers.
Here‘s how it works:
- Copy the original spam message text
- Compose a new text message to 7726
- Paste the spam message into the body of the text
- Send the message, then wait for Verizon‘s response
- Reply back with the spammer‘s number when prompted
Verizon will send you a confirmation and add the offending number to their spam database. You won‘t receive any other updates, but every report helps strengthen the spam filters for all customers.
Device-Level Spam Blocking
In addition to network blocking from Verizon, you can enable spam filtering options right on your iPhone or Android device. These catch spam texts from unknown senders and keep them out of your main message list.
iPhone Spam Filtering
To filter spam texts on your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Messages
- Scroll down and toggle on "Filter Unknown Senders"
- Tap "Transactions" then turn on "Transaction and Junk"
With these settings, potential spam texts will be sorted into the "Transactions" tab in your Messages app. You can review them without alerts and delete or block as needed. This article provides more details on fine-tuning the iPhone spam filtering settings.
Android Spam Blocking
Most Android phones have a similar spam folder feature in the default Messages app. To enable:
- Open the Messages app and tap the three dots in the upper right
- Go to Settings > Spam Protection
- Toggle the "Enable spam protection" switch on
- You can also block specific numbers under "Tap to add spam number"
Spam texts will now be automatically sorted into a Spam folder, and you‘ll get a warning if you try to open a message with a suspicious link. If an obvious spam text appears in your inbox, you can manually tap "Report spam" to improve the filter.
Image: Spam message folder in Google‘s Android Messages app
Third-Party Spam Blocking Apps
For the ultimate in spam text control, there are several powerful third-party SMS filtering apps available. These provide more advanced blocking options and customization compared to your phone‘s built-in tools. Popular choices include:
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RoboKiller ($4/month): Uses predictive AI technology to proactively identify and block spam texts and calls. Includes keyword blocking, personalized allow/block lists, and real-time caller ID.
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Truecaller (Free / $5 month): Lets you block and report spam texts by name or series. Has an extensive crowdsourced database of spam numbers reported by over 300 million users worldwide.
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TextKiller ($3/month): Machine learning-based SMS filtering for Android. Create your own block filters based on number patterns and message keywords. Also blocks spam on popular messaging apps like WhatsApp.
Image: Truecaller‘s extensive database of user-reported spam numbers
While these apps can significantly reduce unwanted texts, it‘s important to carefully review their privacy policies before installing. Some apps upload your contacts or message content to their servers in order to match against known spam patterns. Look for apps that do blocking locally on your device and don‘t share your info with marketers.
Other Ways to Reduce Spam Texts
In addition to using dedicated spam blocking tools, you can minimize spam exposure with good digital hygiene habits:
- Limit sharing your number online and be selective about which services you sign up for
- Create a separate "junk" number or email for contests, coupons, and untrusted websites
- Don‘t reply to suspected spam texts, even to say "STOP"—this just confirms you‘re a real person
- Keep your phone OS and security apps updated to patch known vulnerabilities
- Review your phone‘s app permissions and revoke SMS/Call access for apps that don‘t need it
- File complaints about spam texts with the FCC or forward to 7726
Image: Website where you can file spam complaints directly with the FCC
While you can never completely eliminate spam risk, staying vigilant and proactive goes a long way. Carriers like Verizon are investing heavily in spam-fighting tech, and regulators are cracking down on the biggest offenders. The FCC now requires phone companies to use STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication to combat number spoofing and are working to launch a similar system for texts.
Congress is also considering several bills like the ROBOCOP Act and TRACED Act to increase penalties for spammers and fraudsters. With stronger spam laws and verification standards on the way, we may see a light at the end of the spam text tunnel. But in the meantime, using Verizon‘s spam controls, your phone‘s built-in filtering, and third-party apps can help you reclaim your text messages.
Key Takeaways
- Americans received 157 billion spam texts in 2022—a 1500 spam texts per person
- Spam texts can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and malware if you click the links
- Verizon‘s Spam Protection blocks some spam texts for free, but isn‘t 100% effective
- Use Verizon‘s Call Filter app to manage your text block list and report spam
- Enable built-in spam filtering on your iPhone or Android device
- Try dedicated spam blocking apps like RoboKiller or Truecaller for more advanced controls
- Never respond to spam texts or share your number with untrusted parties
- Forward spam texts to SPAM (7726) to report to Verizon‘s security team
By combining spam-fighting tools and following expert security practices, you can keep your Verizon texting experience focused on the messages that matter. Stay safe out there!
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