UNDATED (WHTC-AM/FM) — Have you been receving some very partisan — and uninvited — text messages from one political party or another — or both?
Here are tips from the FCC for dealing with spam text messages:
- Delete text messages asking for your personal information: Legitimate companies don’t ask for information like your account numbers or passwords by email or text.
- Don’t reply, and don’t click on links provided in the message: Links can install malware on your computer and take you to spoof sites that look real but whose purpose is to steal your information.
- Treat your personal information like cash: Your Social Security number, credit card numbers, and bank and utility account numbers can be used to steal your money or open new accounts in your name. Don’t give them out in response to a text.
- Place your cell phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
- If you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint or Bell subscriber, you can report spam texts to your carrier by copying the original message and forwarding it to the number 7726 (SPAM), free of charge.
- Review your cell phone bill for unauthorized charges, and report them to your carrier.
If you receive unwanted commercial text messages, file a complaint with the FTC.
