Unsolicited or SPAM Text Messages
2009-10-29
Despite continuous improvements to the technology, wireless companies have not found a way to stop unsolicited or SPAM Text Messages. There are a few solutions out there that each of the companies allow. Here are the steps you can take with the 4 largest wireless companies to help stop unsolicited text messages.
Verizon Wireless
At vtext.com if you go to the preference section you can set up Spam Blocking for no charge. It allows you the option to:
block all messages originating from the web
block up to 15 specific email addresses and/or web domains
only allow email messages sent to your Vtext.com nickname
block messages sent from all email addresses
See: http://support.vzw.com/information/blocks_comparison.html
You can also call customer service. You should contact customer service if you need to have a charge for the unsolicited text removed.
AT&T Mobility
AT&T does not have a method for you to block incoming text from wireless numbers unless you sign up for Smart Limits at $4.99 per month.
AT&T suggests that you should reply with the word STOP to unsolicited text messages to prevent further messages particularly if the message is from a shortcode.
Otherwise you should contact AT&T Customer Service.
See: http://www.wireless.att.com/support_static_files/KB/svc/documents/122091...
T-Mobile USA
With T-Mobile you can only block all text messaging to prevent unsolicited texts
However, you can set up SPAM filters for you @tmobile.net address that some texts could be sent to.
See: http://support.t-mobile.com/doc/tm23533.xml
Sprint Nextel
|
COMMAND SENT TO 9999: |
DESCRIPTION OF COMMAND: |
|
Help |
General help |
|
help block |
Help with blocking senders |
|
help allow |
Help with allowing senders that have been blocked |
|
block <shortcode or phone number> |
Block a shortcode or phone number (4 to 10 digits) |
|
block <user@domain> |
Block an email address |
|
block <@domain> |
Block all messages from a specific domain |
|
block email |
Block all email addresses |
|
allow <shortcode or phone number> |
Allow a sender that has been blocked (4 to 10 digits) |
|
allow <user@domain> |
Allow an email address that has been blocked |
|
allow <@domain> |
Allow messages from a domain that has been blocked |
|
allow email |
Allow all email addresses |
|
allow all |
Allow messages from all senders (removes all blocks) |
|
list |
Lists blocked senders |
|
spam <shortcode or phone number> |
Report spam from a shortcode or phone number (4 to 10 digits) |
|
spam <user@domain> |
Report spam from an email address |
With Sprint you can block or all senders, see a list of senders you have blocked, or report spam by sending a text message to 9999 (no charge) and using one of the following commands.
See: http://support.sprint.com/support/article/Block_or_allow_text_messages_o...
You can also log into your Sprint account online and add or remove phone numbers, or web addresses to the Block Text Messages list under Communication Tool
If you want to block all billable text messages contact Sprint Customer Service
See: http://support.sprint.com/support/article/Block_or_allow_text_messages_o...
Reporting Unsolicited Text Messages
Unsolicited text messages are likely violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and a complaint should be filed at:
Communications: Wireless -
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Utility Consumers' Action Network - (619) 696-6966
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