junk spam text

[jwcanfield]

I'm getting lots and lots of junk/spam type texts and that's a problem on many fronts.  First, they're using data.  Second, I can't find any way to stop it.  What is the solution or any input?

[Acrillix]

Send it to SPAM (7726)

[jwcanfield]

This doesn't help, but thank you.

[Weth · Accepted solution]

Why do you think that doesn't help. That is the official way to report SPAM to Verizon so they can put systemic blocks on the source. You can also add 15 numbers to block. Finally, why do you think it is using data? Text messages do not use data.

Here is official way to handle SPAM, including the excellent advice from Acrillix​

Spam Controls FAQs | Verizon Wireless

What should I do if I receive a spam text message?

Spam is considered an unsolicited commercial advertisement or any message that links to a virus or malicious software. Do not respond to the phone number or open any links in the message. Doing so could potentially compromise your personal information and/or your mobile device.

If the message is still on your device, follow the steps below to report the unwanted message:

1. Be careful not to open any links and forward the suspected spam text message to short code 7726 (SPAM).
2. Once received, we'll send you a text message asking for the "From" address.
3. Reply to us with the "From" address of the unwanted message listed in the body of your text message.
4. A free text message with a "Thank you" notification will be sent to you to verify receipt.
5. The investigation will begin.
   
   

If you are using Verizon Messages, follow the steps below to report spam:

1. Touch and hold the message. Be careful not to click on any links.
2. When the option menu appears select Report Spam.
3. The message will then be deleted from your device and you will be notified that the message was reported as spam.
4. The investigation will begin

You've successfully reported an unwanted text message.

Notes:

• You won't receive any further updates once you've received the final "Thank You" text message.

There are no charges for messages sent to or received from 7726.

[jwcanfield]

Blocking individual numbers is a circular exercise.  The spam texts just continue from another randomly generated or spoofed number.  Same for email.

Sent from Joyce [Removed]

personal information removed as required by the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service​

Message edited by Verizon Moderator

[Weth]

All you can do is report each one to 7726. Or change your phone number.

[dpgleason]

None of that works on my iPhone 8.  There is no option for reporting spam by pressing and holding my finger on the message.

[vzw_customer_support]

I'm sorry this isn't working on your iPhone 8 dpgleason. We understand the concern with making sure you block unwanted content. Were you able to forward the suspected spam text message to short code 7726 (SPAM)? Here is a link with steps to block internet spam, email, websites, and text https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/block-unblock-services-faqs/#block-internet .

Let me know if this information is helpful.

KinquanaH_VZW

[DADDIODAVE]

Hitting "Report Spam" only seems to delete that particular message, I've never gotten a reply from Verizon, and continue to get similar spam texts from the same number.  I'm betting that Verizon is getting a cut from the spammers, especially from 77502.

[vzw_customer_support]

Hello DADDIODAVE, getting unwanted spam texts can be a headache, especially if it's from the same number. The last thing we want is for you to think Verizon Wireless is getting a cut from the spammers. Please tell us more, what do the messages consist of? Aside from hitting ''Report Spam'', what other methods have you attempted to restrict the spam texts?

GilbertoL_VZW

[Tgreen81]

Well this message actually makes me think he was correct. What else would he need to do if your service was working as promised? 

[WilliamMorton]

My spam comes from an email address, not a phone number. Every time I try to report it and provide the sending address VZW just keeps replying for me to send the number. THERE ISNT ONE. 

[vzw_customer_support]

WilliamMorton, unwanted emails like that can get annoying. We do have block options at VerizonWireless.com/SpamControls. You can also mark those types of emails as Spam through your email, so you are less likely to receive any in the future. If you receive any emails you think are spam, you can forward it, along with the message header, to: phishing@VerizonWireless.com. 

EricaG_VZW

[nutberry1]

that VZ solution doesn't work

[CandaceCB]

This doesn't help because I learned through my identity theft protection plan that the new phone number assigned to me by Verizon is posted on the internet under the name of the previous owner, who was quite prolific about putting her number everywhere apparently. As a result, I get about 20 spam texts per day for "Sandra."

These are primarily offers to lend money, although I've also gotten a couple from the Elizabeth Warren campaign.

I've reported some of the numbers as spam and blocked more than 100 from my phone. No help.

It's too big of a headache to change my number again, especially since there's no guarantee that the next number won't have the same problem.

Hey, Verizon! Come up with a solution!

[vzw_customer_support]

CandaceCB, your wireless experts are here! Was this the method that you were using for the Spam Text that you are getting:

Spam is an unsolicited commercial advertisement or any message that links to a virus or malicious software. Don't respond to the phone number or open any links in the message. Doing so may compromise your personal information and/or your mobile device.

If the message is still on your device, follow the steps below to report the unwanted message:

1. Be careful not to open any links and forward the suspected spam text message to short code 7726.
2. Once received, we'll send you a text message asking for the "From" address.
3. Reply to us with the "From" address of the unwanted message listed in the body of your text message.
4. A free text message with a "Thank you" notification will be sent to you to verify receipt.
5. The investigation will begin.

If you are using Verizon Messages (Message+), follow the steps below to report spam:

1. Touch and hold the message. Be careful not to click on any links.
2. When the option menu appears, select Report Spam.
3. The message will then be deleted from your device, and you'll be notified that the message was reported as spam.
4. The investigation will begin.

You've successfully reported an unwanted text message.

Notes:

• You won't receive any further updates once you've received the final "Thank You" text message.
• There are no charges for messages sent to or received from 7726.

If not, can you try these steps for us and keep us posted on if this helps you. 

TakendraW_VZW

[RandomPerson2020]

I have successfully forwarded spam to Verizon before. I was unable to get any copy / forward / delete menu for this message.  The particular text message I (and my daughter and son who have the same area code and prefix, and 19 strangers included in the "to" field) I received tonight did not allow me to forward.  It was from 7034024229@vzwpix...  [email address removed per the Verizon Terms of Service] and all those in the "to" group message were 703-402-xxxx. The only "message" was a weblink http://95.179.169.54/v4pnS . 

[vzw_customer_support]

We appreciate the additional details. Have you tried blocking the number completely? What happened when you tried to forward the number?

AlfredoL_VZW

[rwp728]

Verizon Samsung Galaxy S5 message app has NO ability to forward OR block messages. Why do you think anyone can just forward a message or block it?

[vzw_customer_support]

That is a great call out, Rwp728. We do want to make sure our customers are not sent messages like these and can keep this from occuring. If you receive a spam message you can report it to us directly. Here is a link to review this more https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/block-unblock-services-faqs/#spam-texts. JasperM_VZW

[clalley]

The messages app on my note8 has no "report spam" on the options menu.
I tried to forward it to "7726".  It gives me the "select recipients" entry box.
Typing the number 7726 does not match anyone in my address book, so it does not give me the send button.
I click the "+" icon like I am adding a second recipient.
I don't add them, I just press "DONE"
It brings up something like a "subject" box, but unlabeled and and added "Fwd: " in that box.
I click the x box to kill this.
Now finally I get the send Icon and I send the message. 
I check the main messages page, sure enough it is sent.
I wait for the promised response from Verizon in item "c" in your solution.
Nothing ever comes back.  Silence from verizon, as others have reported when they have attempted this.  Something is broken.

So the person sending the spam is in NJ.  The phone number that shows up on the text comes from my area code.  Why does Verizon still allow spoofing?