Here’s a tip that’s worth repeating:
Don’t click on a link in a text message you get on your phone that says you’ve won a terrific prize or a gift card. Don’t reply either. It’s probably a scam.
The Federal Trade Commission settled charges with a group of marketers that were part of a scheme that sent millions of unsolicited spam text messages promoting supposedly free merchandise like $1,000 gift cards for Wal-Mart and Best Buy.
People who clicked the links in the messages didn’t get the promised prizes. Instead, they were taken to websites that asked them to give personal information and sign up for multiple offers, often involving purchases or paid subscriptions.
What can you do about unwanted text messages?
- Delete unwanted text messages that ask you to enter a special code, or to confirm or provide personal information. Legitimate companies won’t send you a text asking for sensitive information.
- Don’t click on links in the text message. Links can take you to spoof sites that look real but will steal your personal information.
- Report spam texts to your carrier. Copy the original message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM) free of charge, if you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint subscriber.
387 Comments
In reply to I fell for that Best Buy one by Rita Jorgenson (not verified)
In reply to It's easy to believe that a by Numerous "Walm… (not verified)
In reply to No it's not. They don't need by notmyemail (not verified)
In reply to What do you mean "No it's by JustMe (not verified)
In reply to What do you mean "No it's by JustMe (not verified)
In reply to It's easy to believe that a by Numerous "Walm… (not verified)
In reply to I fell for that Best Buy one by Rita Jorgenson (not verified)
In reply to I fell for that Best Buy one by Rita Jorgenson (not verified)
In reply to Received text from completely by Just happened. (not verified)
In reply to I got this same thing as well by Leaf (not verified)
In reply to I, just yesterday, revieced a by Kyli-Bob (not verified)
In reply to In the last two days I got by JLSTLDon't use… (not verified)
In reply to This is vital. I have by Ruth Casey Don… (not verified)
In reply to of course not. haha by LOL (not verified)
In reply to I also started receiving by mln5663 (not verified)
In reply to I also recently registered my by joy4u2c (not verified)
If you register with the FTC for the legitimate Do Not Call registry, you need to give your email. Within 72 hours after you register the number, you will get an email that confirms your registration. You have to click on a link in the email from the Do Not Call registry to complete the registration. If you don't click on the link in the email, you won't be registered.
The legitimate Do Not Call registry with the FTC does not ask for your name or address. If you found a site that is pretending to be the FTC Do Not Call registry, please report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
In reply to of course not. haha by LOL (not verified)
In reply to Thanks for the warning. Here by wait4memz (not verified)
In reply to Bluebird itself is not a scam by potatogang (not verified)
In reply to WATCH OUT FOR YOUR CHILDREN. by SHAYNA16 (not verified)
In reply to WATCH OUT FOR YOUR CHILDREN. by SHAYNA16 (not verified)
In reply to I know! I've been getting a by Owl Head (not verified)
Report it, then block them from calling or texting you. Look at your options available in your text message list. On Android, its "More", "Block number". Pretty sure Apple has that function too.
In reply to I know! I've been getting a by Owl Head (not verified)
In reply to I had to pay 110.00 to cancel by mistyblue (not verified)
In reply to I received a text from a by Anonymous123 (not verified)
In reply to I received a text from 1-440 by Inevitable79 (not verified)
In reply to i received a text, today, Dec by Kate (not verified)
As part of a lawsuit filed by the FTC against AT&T, AT&T will refund consumers who were billed by third parties without autorization. AT&T is sending out text messages to customers who had premium text message charges added to their bills sometime after January 2009. If you didn't authorize any premium text message services, then you will want to file a claim at ftc.gov/att.
In reply to i received a text, today, Dec by Kate (not verified)
In reply to Hi,got a text from "offers by Puzzeled (not verified)
You're right; it's probably a scam. Don’t click on a link in a text message you get on your phone that says you’ve won a prize or a gift card. Don’t reply either.
In reply to You're right; it's probably a by FTC Staff
In reply to You're right; it's probably a by FTC Staff
In reply to today I received a text from by ohdang123 (not verified)
If you get another message like this, don’t click on the links in the text message. Links can take you to spoof sites that look real but will steal your personal information.
You can report spam texts to your carrier. Copy the original message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM) free of charge, if you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint subscriber.
In reply to today I received a text from by ohdang123 (not verified)
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