Have you ever gotten a random text message from an unknown number and been completely perplexed about where it came from? You’re not alone! Receiving text messages from unknown numbers is actually quite common, and there are myriad potential explanations for why it’s happening. In this article, we’ll explain some of the most likely causes – in addition to offering tips for how to both find out who it is and prevent unwanted texts in the future.
What Can they Be?
Texts from unknown numbers can be an annoying hassle, and possibly even dangerous if it’s something like phishing or sms bombing. Legitimate calls can also show up from unknown numbers and you never know when it’s something important or not. It’s always best to take precautions when dealing with texts (or calls) from unknown numbers – such as researching the source before giving any personal information away.
Spam Text Messages
Although it’s important to be aware of potential security risks, it’s equally as important to understand that these text messages could just as likely be spam messages which are sent out en masse to multiple recipients. Popular examples might include marketing campaigns from businesses, surveys from universities, or even funny jokes from pranksters. Either way, they don’t always require a response—and there is usually no reason to worry if the text appears harmless.
What are Spam Text Messages?
Spam text messages are unwanted and unsolicited messages sent through SMS. Generally, the sender is trying to persuade the receiver to buy something they don’t need or sign up for a service they don’t want. This type of communication often includes false claims or deceptive headlines; plus, links and attachments can contain viruses and other malware that can harm your device or your data security.
It is best to delete such messages without opening them. If you have already opened it, do not click on any links, click unsubscribe from the mailing list if available, or report the text message as spam when possible. Be alert of scams disguised as legitimate offers, especially those that require financial information.
How Did They Get My Number?
It can be perplexing figuring out how spammers can text you, when your number should be secure. It’s possible that unscrupulous marketers have obtained your number through public records or a third-party data collector.
They may also have scraped it from an online marketplace or even a social media platform. If you receive an unwanted text message, you can safely block the sender if their identity is provided. To prevent further nuisance texts, however, it’s smart that you take extra precautions to protect your personal data from being bought and sold on the digital black market.
Spam Text Messages Examples
Spam text messages can be annoying and intrusive, appearing uninvited at inopportune times. Many of these messages offer seemingly too-good-to-be-true deals on products and services, while others may be malicious scams designed to capture your personal information.
Knowing how to recognize and avoid spam text messages is the best way to protect yourself from unsavory online behavior. Pay attention to common signs seen in spam texts, such as suspicious links, incorrect grammar and spelling, generic language, or requests for you to confirm an unknown “deal”. If you do happen upon a spam message, the best course of action is simply not to interact with it.
Telemarketing
Getting a text from an unknown number can be disconcerting. However, more often than not it turns out to be harmless telemarketing. Telemarketing is the practice of using phone calls and texts to advertise products and services.
Although companies using this tactic have traditionally received backlash, it is still used widely today since there are no significant costs and it can reach a wide variety of people. These companies should be respectful in their approach though; they should use professional language with no frills, just straightforward messages that flow naturally while representing the company well.
Phishing Links
When you receive a text from an unknown number, it can cause anxiety. It’s important to be aware that many of these messages could be phishing links hoping to get you to click on malicious links. Educate yourself about how to spot and avoid such phishing scams – pay attention to the entire content of the message, look for spelling or grammar mistakes, and never respond if you’re not sure of the authenticity of the sender. Use your good sense and stay vigilant!
SMS Bombing
Receiving text messages from an unknown number can be disconcerting, but unfortunately it may be something more sinister. In some cases, if you’re receiving a barrage of texts from an unknown number, it may mean you are being targeted by SMS bombing. This type of attack sends mass amounts of text messages to a single person’s phone in order to overwhelm the network and disable their device temporarily.
To protect against this type of attack, try to block any unrecognized numbers, avoid phishing scams in emails and texts and update your device regularly with security patches. By understanding the risks associated with SMS bombing and taking preventive action now, you can protect your device and yourself.
Legitimate Calls
Receiving a text from an unknown number can be incredibly disconcerting and even irritating, especially if it is a recurring occurrence. However, it’s important to approach each one with an open mind before brushing it off as junk or spam; there are many legitimate cases of texts from unknown numbers.
These could include automated notifications from online stores when your order status changes, delivery updates from shipping corporate services, account alerts from banks, work-related communications from colleagues in different departments, security codes for logins and emails, client messages sent directly to your personal number instead of your office one, and other important information. So don’t assume that texts from an unknown number are suspect right away—instead take a moment to research them first.
What If I’m Expecting a Call? Use PeopleFinders
We’ve all been there; the phone rings and you don’t recognize the number. The question that runs through your mind, “Should I answer it?”. PeopleFinders can help you make an educated guess. With reverse phone lookup, we can quickly tell you who is calling, so you can decide whether to take the call or not.
We even offer a scam concierge service to further protect you from potential fraudsters. This allows you to vet every number before deciding if it’s worth picking up the call. So if are expecting (or worrying about) a call, rest assured PeopleFinders has got your back!
How to Block Spam Texts
In many cases, it’s best to block unknown numbers for safety and peace of mind. Blocking the sender stops further communication and eliminates the worry of potential threats to your security or identity. You can always unblock later, should you change your mind. If it’s a prankster or hacker, blocking them stops the cycle so that they don’t continue to send messages that could potentially expose you to harm. Take care when answering any message where you’re unsure of its origins; it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Android:
If you are tired of receiving unwanted calls and messages from someone, you can easily block their number on your Android device. This is a useful feature that helps you maintain your privacy and avoid unnecessary distractions. Follow these simple steps to block a number on your Android phone.
- Open the Phone app: The first step to block a number is to open the Phone app on your Android phone. This app is usually located on your home screen, but if it’s not, you can find it in the app drawer.
- Find the number to block: Once you have opened the Phone app, you need to find the number that you want to block. You can do this by scrolling through your call log, your messages, or your contacts list. When you find the number, click on it to open its details.
- Block the number: Now that you have opened the details of the number you want to block, you will see an option to Block or Add to Auto-Reject List. Click on this option, and you will be asked to confirm if you really want to block the number. Once you confirm, the number will be added to your block list.
- Unblock a number: If you have accidentally blocked a number from a legitimate caller or want to unblock a number, you can easily do this by following the same steps. Instead of choosing the option to block the number, choose the option to unblock or remove from the block list.
IOS:
Blocking numbers on iOS is a great feature when you want to avoid unwanted calls, messages or Facetime requests. By following these simple steps, you can block any number on your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app: Launch the Settings app on your home screen.
- Click on ‘Phone’ or ‘Messages’: Scroll down until you find either the ‘Phone’ or ‘Messages’ option, depending on which one you want to block.
- Tap on ‘Blocked Contacts’: After selecting the ‘Phone’ or ‘Messages’ option, click on the ‘Blocked Contacts’ option.
- Add number to block list: Tap on the ‘Add New’ button and select the contact you want to block from your Contacts list.
There are a few possible explanations as to why you’re getting random text messages from unknown numbers. It could be that you’re the victim of a scam, that the person sending the messages simply has the wrong number, or those messages could be automated spam.
One thing is certain – if you don’t know who it is, it is best not to respond and continue to block any unknown numbers or suspicious messages. As annoying as this might be right now, by being vigilant and protecting your personal information it will help minimize any potential problems in the future.
