How Mass Texting Allows Property Managers to Stay Ahead of the Storm
Inclement weather can strike at any time, and if action isn't taken quickly, it can create significant safety issues and financial implications. Over
7 min read
Kaitlyn Orred
:
Apr 27, 2022 2:31:42 PM
Does it ever feel like text spammers are getting better at their jobs? That's because they are.
Text message spam is increasing across the United States, and it's quickly becoming difficult to escape. While carriers and phone providers are cracking down on text spam, there are still a lot of fake text messages flying around.
As part of our efforts in the war on spam, we've taken it upon ourselves to round up the most up-to-date information on the state of spam, including how to prevent becoming a victim of text phishing.
Topics featured in this statistical roundup include:
The TRACED ACT
On Dec. 30, 2019, former President Trump signed a bill called the TRACED Act. This bill put rules and requirements in place to deter criminal robocall violations, but many scammers are working around this bill by sending out text messages instead. Some of the requirements include:
With spam texts on the rise, authorities, carriers, and communication services are taking a few different measures to crack down on spam. One of these measures (the one that will affect our customers the most) is the decision to require all toll-free numbers to be registered.
The toll-free verification process is not currently required, but we expect it to be in the coming months. The process is designed to reduce unwanted messages and spam, which is something we already strive for at Text-Em-All and the reason 70% of our existing toll-free numbers are already registered.
At Text-Em-All, we've made the conscious decision to stand up against bad traffic not because there's some business incentive hidden somewhere. Quite the opposite, in fact. Our Customer Experience team says "no" to new business on an almost hourly basis when parties call in asking how to get started with spamming their call lists.
We do this to try to make a real difference in the lives of those who need to communicate with their audiences.
You're probably wondering how bad the text spam problem actually is, and after reviewing the stats, we can honestly say that it's pretty bad. Not convinced? Take a look at our up-to-date statistics on the state of text spam.
Over the last year, on average, there have been:
The top 5 states that received the highest amount of text spam in 2021 were:
However, the top 5 states that received the highest text spam per capita in 2021 were:
Sources: Robokiller 1, Robokiller 2
Spam texts are definitely on the rise. While COVID-19 and the TRACED Act have contributed to the rising text spam rates, the growth of technology is also making it even easier for individuals to get scammed. Here are some comprehensive statistics on the growth of text spam in the last few years:
Sources: Axios, New York Times, Proofpoint, Truecaller, Statista, Robokiller 1, Robokiller 2
The top 5 text scams of 2021 were:
Source: Robokiller
Sources: Truecaller
Sources: FTC, NPR, Robokiller
Sources: FTC, Truecaller
Sources: FTC, Truecaller
Sources: Truecaller
Sources: FTC
Sources: Proofpoint, Venturebeat
Sources: Proofpoint
Once you receive a spam text, it's important to either block or report the number. This will protect yourself, and may save others from phishing attempts.
When it comes to reporting spam texts, you have a few different options.
How to block spam text messages on your iPhone:
1. Open the conversation in your Messages app.
2. Select the name or number at the top of the message.
3. Scroll down, and click Block this Caller.
You can view and manage your list of blocked contacts and phone numbers by visiting Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts.
How to block and report spam texts on your Android:
Androids now have built-in spam protection, but you have two options to block the texts if the spam text bypasses the security.
1. In the main menu, long-press the text. Select the "No" symbol, make sure "Report Spam" is enabled, and then select "OK."
2. To block the spam text from inside the chat, tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of the screen and select "Details." Select "Block & Report Spam," tick the "Report Spam" box, and press "OK."
Forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM) will notify your carrier so they can investigate.
To add your phone number to the Do Not Call List, visit DoNotCall.gov.
To report the message to the FTC, visit the website: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. From there, you'll answer a few questions about the type of message you received, how much money you sent the scammer, and details you have about the scammer.
To report a spam message to the FCC, you'll visit The Consumer Complaint Center. Here you'll be able to file a complaint about receiving spam messages, or if your phone number is being spoofed, blocked, or labeled as potential spam.
If you have a smartphone, there may be apps you can download to prevent junk messages. These apps will often automatically block unknown callers or texters.
The increase in text spam combined with the financial implications of text scams rightfully triggers nervousness in individuals. Here are some answers to some of the most-asked questions regarding spam texts.
A phishing text message is a spam text message designed to gather personal and financial information from its target. Phishing through text is also referred to as "smishing."
You cannot be scammed just by opening spam text messages. However, if you take further action in the text message, you could be at risk of getting scammed or hacked. The best rule of thumb to follow is to avoid engaging with or to filter unknown senders.
Many of the signs that your phone has been hacked or has malware are obvious. These signs include bright and/or flashing pop-ups, text messages and calls sent from your phone that you did not make, a quick-draining battery, and apps exhibiting weird behavior.
You can be hacked by answering fake text messages. Malware that can collect your personal or financial information may be installed if you respond to the text message. DO NOT respond to SMS spam.
If you click a link in a phishing text, malware, spyware or ransomware may be installed onto your mobile phone. If you've clicked a link in a phishing text, disconnect your device, back up your files, scan your system for malware, change your passwords, and set up a fraud alert. Read more about what to do after clicking on a phishing link here.
As long as you do not respond to the text message or click on any links in the message, the spam text message will not be able to infect your phone.
Inclement weather can strike at any time, and if action isn't taken quickly, it can create significant safety issues and financial implications. Over
As the debate between the benefits and downfalls of in-office, hybrid, and fully remote work continue, effective communication is at the epicenter of...
Text-Em-All employees recently used their Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to help with events hosted by the North Texas Food Bank and Frisco Family...