While cell phone spam isn’t quite as prolific as email spam, in many ways it’s more intrusive! While the organization Controlling the Assault on Non-solicited Pornography and Marketing (CAN-SPAM) has prohibited companies from sending unsolicited emails and text messages, they left the door wide open to political campaigns and charities. This may not seem like a big deal on the surface, but being charged .10 - .25 cents per message for something you never even asked for can get quite aggravating!

Consumer Reports offers the following four methods to minimize your chances of receiving unwanted text messages…

• Act Fast: If you don’t have a text messaging plan with your cell phone provider, contact them immediately after receiving a spam text message. The sooner you call, the better your chances are of having the charge removed.

• Change Your Settings: Most spam text messages originate overseas. They reach your phone via the Internet over the Short Message Service Center (SMSC) . You can prevent this with most providers by accessing your account online and changing your email and messaging preferences to block messages sent over the Internet.

• Register with the Do Not Call List: Register your cell phone number with the official Do Not Call List to stop telemarketing before it even starts! You can register up to three numbers for free, so don’t forget to register your land line if you haven’t already!

• Prevent Future Spam: Prevent future spam by not downloading free (or inexpensive) ring tones and games. These will often provide your cell phone number to telemarketers.

Enjoy this article? Subscribe to the RSS feed!