Spam texts from email accounts have become an increasing nuisance for smartphone users, promising free prizes, exclusive deals, and more. While seemingly harmless, these messages often conceal scams and phishing attempts. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the reasons to block spam texts, identify scam messages, understand how scammers operate, and provide step-by-step instructions on blocking them on popular messaging apps.
Why Block Spam Texts from Email Addresses?
Spam texts from email accounts, originating from email addresses instead of phone numbers, are considered unwanted and potentially harmful. Identifying scam messages is crucial, and some common red flags include unrealistic offers, urgent language, and requests for personal information. Blocking these texts is essential to avoid falling victim to scams and protect personal data.
How Scammers Send Spam Texts from Email Addresses
Scammers leverage email-to-SMS gateways, converting email messages into SMS texts. This method allows them to hide their identity, sending messages from email addresses rather than phone numbers. Scammers obtain phone numbers through various means, including purchasing lists, hacking databases, using number generator programs, and scraping numbers from websites. Once armed with a database, they use email-to-SMS services to send mass spam texts.
Blocking Spam Texts on Google Messages
Google Messages, a default text messaging app on Android, provides built-in spam protection. Here’s how to block spam texts from email addresses:
- Open the Messages app
- Tap your profile icon and select “Settings”
- Scroll down to “Spam protection” and toggle it on
- Open the spam text thread, tap the three-dot menu, and choose “Block & report spam”
Google Messages automates the blocking process, moving future texts from the sender to the spam folder.
Blocking Spam Texts on Samsung Messages
Samsung Messages lacks automatic spam detection but allows manual blocking:
- Launch Samsung Messages
- Tap the spam text conversation
- Tap the email address at the top and select “Block”
Samsung Messages simplifies manual blocking, preventing the email address from sending more texts.
Blocking Spam Texts on SMS Organizer
Microsoft’s SMS Organizer focuses on sorting messages but may miss occasional spam texts. To manually block:
- Open SMS Organizer
- Tap the spam text conversation
- Select the three-dot menu and choose “Block Sender”
Blocking the sender ensures SMS Organizer redirects future texts to the blocked folder.
Blocking spam texts from email addresses is crucial to safeguard against scams and phishing attempts. By taking proactive measures on messaging apps like Google Messages, Samsung Messages, and SMS Organizer, users can maintain digital privacy and security. Recognizing scam messages and understanding how scammers operate empower users to protect their personal information effectively.
