If you’ve been receiving random text messages from unknown numbers, you’re not alone. A 2025 Spam Report from Orbitmedia and QuestionPro revealed that around 30% of people get spam text messages regularly, some daily or even multiple times per day.
Most of these unwanted messages end up being ads or phishing scams. But why are you receiving them? Keep reading to learn the most likely reasons you’re receiving these messages and what you can do to reduce them.
Spam Text Messages
Spam texts are unsolicited messages sent in bulk to large numbers of recipients.
They may include promotional offers, marketing campaigns, survey requests, political messages, or other unwanted communications.
Not all marketing text messages are spam. Many businesses send legitimate messages to customers who have opted in to receive them. The key difference is consent.
While many spam texts are merely annoying, some can be harmful. Malicious messages may contain links to fraudulent websites, attempt to trick recipients into revealing personal or financial information, or install malware on a device.
Spammers often obtain phone numbers through data brokers, public records, social media scraping, data breaches, or information bought and sold on the dark web by hackers and other cybercriminals.
What to Do About Spam Texts
If you receive a suspicious text message, avoid clicking any links or downloading attachments, and report the message as spam through your carrier or messaging app.
You can also manage unwanted messages by enabling features such as “Spam Protection” or “Filter Unknown Senders.” If the texts continue, use options such as “Block This Caller” or “Block Number” to prevent future messages from the same sender. If you accidentally block a legitimate sender, you can always unblock them later.
You can also register your number with the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. While the registry is best known for helping reduce telemarketing calls and robocalls, it may also help limit certain unwanted marketing text messages. Just keep in mind that while legitimate businesses are generally required to honor consumer opt-out requests, scammers often ignore those rules entirely.
If a message appears to be from a company you do business with, contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate rather than responding to the message.
Phishing Links
The FBI defines phishing as a type of scam designed to trick people into giving away sensitive information.
For example, you might receive a text message that appears to come from a legitimate business asking you to update your information by replying to the message or visiting a website.
While these messages may appear to come from legitimate senders, they often use spoofed (falsified) numbers or link to fake websites designed to collect passwords, PINs, and other personal data, such as Social Security numbers, that can be used for fraud or identity theft.
What to Do About Phishing Links
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau advises consumers to protect themselves from phishing scams by learning how to identify them. While scammers constantly change their tactics, phishing messages often claim one of the following:
- There has been suspicious activity in your account or unauthorized login attempts
- You need to update your account or payment information
- You need to click a link to make a payment or update information
- An invoice needs to be downloaded
- You’re eligible for a refund or some kind of gift
Never provide your password, PIN, or other personally identifiable information through a text message if you did not initiate the conversation. When in doubt, sign in to your account directly through the company’s official website rather than using a link sent by text.
SMS Bombing
SMS bombing is when a malicious actor or prankster inundates a person’s phone with a large number of text messages over a short period of time, potentially disrupting normal use. In many cases, the messages are generated using automated tools.
What to Do About SMS Bombing
If you’re experiencing SMS bombing, set your phone to airplane mode or do not disturb while you block any identifiable senders. Avoid responding to the messages, and enable spam filters through your messaging app or wireless carrier.
If the messages include account verification codes or password reset requests that you didn’t initiate, consider reviewing the security settings on your online accounts and changing your passwords as a precaution. Lastly, don’t put off updating your phone for too long, as new software versions may include important security patches.
Legitimate Messages from Unknown Numbers
While many text messages from unknown numbers are unwanted, some may be legitimate. Businesses often send order updates, delivery notifications, appointment reminders, account alerts, and one-time verification codes from numbers you don’t recognize.
Before deleting the message, check whether it relates to an action you recently took. If you’re expecting a package, waiting on a service appointment, or trying to sign in to an account, an unfamiliar number may not be cause for concern.
What to Do About Legitimate Messages from Unknown Numbers
If you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate, avoid clicking any links until you’ve verified the sender. Instead, visit the company’s website directly or contact them using information from an official source. This can help you confirm whether the message is genuine without exposing yourself to potential scams.
Who’s Texting Me? Find Out With PeopleFinders
There are many reasons you might receive random text messages from unknown numbers, ranging from harmless notifications to spam and phishing attempts. If you’re unsure who’s behind a message, tools such as reverse phone lookup can help you learn more before deciding whether to respond.
If you’re curious about who’s texting you, PeopleFinders’ reverse phone lookup can help you identify the owner of a phone number. Depending on the information available, you may even be able to learn more about who’s trying to reach you. That information can help you decide whether a message is worth responding to or whether it’s better left ignored.
