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For automated texts, legally, there have to be ways of unsubscribing. Try replying to them with "STOP," as even if the spammer doesn't configure it, usually the
by laken 8y ago
For automated texts, legally, there have to be ways of unsubscribing. Try replying to them with "STOP," as even if the spammer doesn't configure it, usually the upstream SMS provider has it built-in to remove you from getting further texts.
In general, essentially everyone in the US has an unlimited message plan, and if not, many carriers don't charge for incoming. My recommendation to how to fix this is to vote with your wallet. Switch to a prepaid provider with better SMS rules.
I'm assuming based on the $0.20/message cost, that you're using AT&T prepaid, which has some of the highest SMS fees for prepaid plans.
- ceejayoz 8y agoSTOP is required for SMS short codes (5/6 digit numbers). I'm not aware of it being required (let alone working) on the ten-digit numbers. I'm quite certain I've texted "STOP" to various family members at times, and I still get texts from them. All the text spam I get is from random ten digit numbers, a new one every time. You can text the spam message to SPAM (7726) and it'll ask you for the number that sent it. I've no idea how effective those reports are, though.
- laken 8y agoheh, unfortunately, it doesn't work on family members. That is why I specified "automated," as Twilio even seems to implement it automatically for any messages sent via the API. It also doesn't help spam sent from physical phones with unlimited plans, and custom apps built to mass text though.
- ceoloide 8y agoYou are right, and I know AT&T is not the cheapest, but I am forced to use it for the time being. There are a number of reasons why one would need to stick with one operator or the other. What I question is the fact that I have no control on incoming SMS, and still I get charged for them. Most of the 4-5 digit numbers mention the STOP options, but I get messages from 10-digit numbers like the following: "Tracie! Breaking report: This fruit burns up to 10lbs of fat in 14 days! Enjoy this special update here al49.xyz/ketonews" The same message, a different number every time. Basically everyone in the US is forced to have unlimited text and calls in order not to pay for incoming marketing, how fair is this?
- laken 8y agoHuh, I don't think I've ever gotten spam like that before via SMS. It seems to be personalized to the previous holder of the number, who I assume is named 'Tracie.' I'd see if you're able to get another phone number, as this 'Tracie' was quite liberal with giving out their number to anyone and anything.