We all get them, tons of spam messages that fill your phone with offers and scams. According to the FCC, complaints about Text message scams are up more than 500% since 2015. Now the FCC is ordering phone companies t start blocking scam text messages.
To do this, the FCC is ordering wireless carriers to block texts from illegitimate numbers. This is just the start of the FCCs plans to develop more ways to block robotext spam and scams.
The FCC is also adding text messages as part of its do-not-call registry. Text messages have often been seen as a loophole in the do-not-call laws, but now that will be closed.
“Today’s action also seeks public comment on further proposals to require providers to block texts from entities the FCC has cited as illegal robotexters. It also proposes to clarify that DoNot-Call Registry protections – that is, prohibiting marketing messages to registered numbers – apply to text messaging and closing the lead generator loophole, which allows companies to use a single consumer consent to deliver robocalls and text messages from multiple – perhaps thousands – of marketers on subjects that may not be what the consumer had in mind. The Commission will also take further public comment on text authentication measures and other proposals to continue to fight illegal scam robotexts.” The FCC said in a statement on their website.
The FCC is not alone in its efforts to block these messages. Google, for example, has spent a great amount of time building spam filtering into android phones. Now though, the FCC is hoping to stop these texts before they ever get to your phone.
The FCC recommends that consumers take steps to protect themselves from text scams: do not interact in any way with suspicious texts, click on suspicious links, or provide any information via text or website. In addition, consumers can file a complaint with the FCC, forward unwanted texts to SPAM (7726), and should delete all suspicious texts.