How to Block Text Messages

3 Quick Ways to Block Text Message Spam

1.  Reply STOP to the Text Message Spam

The first thing to immediately do to stop the offending party is to reply back to the spammer STOP. This STOP message should trigger an opt-out. If the spammer is really devious and does not even have the opt-out procedures in place then this will not stop the spam.

2. Call Your Cell Phone Carrier and Stop All Incoming Texts from the Internet

This is not necessarily the quickest or most precise method but it works. I say it’s not precise because there can be reputable companies that legitimtely text message you through your wireless carrier’s email address so you would be blocking those texts. But for most people they don’t receive texts like that so this blanket approach works. Here are the customer service phone #s for each major carrier. AT&T (800) 331-0500 Sprint (800) SPRINT1 Tmobile: (877) 334-7069 Verizon (800) 922-0204 or *611.

3. Go Online and Block Certain Phone Numbers

A. AT&T: Log in at mymessages.wireless.att.com. You must register for an account here even if you have an existing AT&T account. You will then be sent a verification code to your cell phone. Once you enter into the site, in the preferences area you will see where you have text-blocking and alias options. This is where you can block messages from specific e-mail addresses or websites or block all text messeages sent you as email under your 123-456-7890@txt.att.net. This is one of the most effective ways to stop spam texts.

B. Sprint: To block a short code, text to the number 9999 and in the body of the text type the number that you want to block from receiving text messages.  Then press send.  You should received a response back from 9999 “SprintFreeMsg: Text messages from “example” are now blocked. Instructions are available to block individual numbers from you account here: http://support.sprint.com/support/article/Block_or_allow_text_messages_from_your_phone/case-cx832318-20091103-160141

C. Verizon Login to the Verizon website > My Services > Verizon Safeguards > Spam Controls. From there you have access to set up call and text message blocking, internet spam blocking, and parental controls. FAQs on Blocking Spam Texts within Verizon Website