Any way to block spam text using spoofed phone numbers?
DukeHazzard
Enthusiast - Level 3

Every day I get a spam text message from the same source advertising Coach bags but the sender's number is always different, obviously randomly generated.  I report them as spam right away but I'm really tired of having to do this every morning.  A number block is obviously ineffective and Verizon is apparently not investing resources in stopping it. 

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26 Replies
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Hi there, DukeHazzard. I can definitely understand how much of a nuisance those unwanted messages can be. That certainly sounds like a tedious task. Do the numbers come up like normal 10 digit numbers, including an area code, or do they come up as random numbers without the regular format? When did this start exactly?

LeoL_VZW
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DukeHazzard
Enthusiast - Level 3

Thank you for the response.  The sender's number is always a 10 digit US phone number but never the same one twice.  This has been going on for at least a month now, seems more like two months.  I've saved the last couple on the phone for reference; the hyperlink display text is www.coachmart.us though I've never clicked it to find out if that's where it truly links.  Looks like a foreign sender because the prices advertised are always in "USD" instead of just $. 

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sprmankalel
Champion - Level 3

You should Forward the messages to 7726.

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DukeHazzard
Enthusiast - Level 3

Re: sprmankalel - read the original post.  My issue is that I send them to 7266 4-5 days a week and they don't stop.

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SuzyQ
Community Leader
Community Leader

DukeHazzard wrote:

Re: sprmankalel - read the original post. My issue is that I send them to 7266 4-5 days a week and they don't stop.

The number is 7726 (it spells SPAM) - and you should get a text back confirming that Verizon received your SPAM report.

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Mobostians
Newbie

7726 not 7266

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

DukeHazzard,

I know how frustrating these messages can be. You can block the number from many different phones. It would require you to add the contact and then chose to block it.

RobinD_VZW
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If my response answered your question please click the �Correct Answer� button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

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DukeHazzard
Enthusiast - Level 3

If I add the spammer to my contacts my security software will recognize them as a legitimate sender and not block any malware from them, which could be exactly what they are hoping for.  It seems a good suggestion to keep from sending these to 7266 every day or two but sounds dangerous in the long run.

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rcschnoor
Legend

Depending on your phone, you can block specific contacts on your device. Adding the contact and then immediately blocking it, I would think, would then block anything coming from that contact.

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chris1060
Specialist - Level 1

A small bit of advice. Whatever messaging app you're using, make sure you disable auto retrieve multimedia files. I had a friend learn that the hard way. Since some spam messages may have images and media files that contain malicious software.

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LENNYEDGE
Specialist - Level 2
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rcschnoor
Legend

LENNYEDGE wrote:

Remove a Block - Call & Message Blocking - My Verizon | Verizon Wireless

Of course, blocking a number on your phone does not come with an expiration date other than if you manually remove the block. Adding a block on your MyVerizon website is a completely different topic and not likely to be the problem being faced by the OP as THOSE blocks would not be re-directed to voicemail, but blocked altogether.

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LENNYEDGE
Specialist - Level 2

IM SORRY, you are addressing wrong person, i dont need to block. thanks for opinion. you might try replying to person who needs it.

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rcschnoor
Legend

LENNYEDGE wrote:

IM SORRY, you are addressing wrong person, i dont need to block. thanks for opinion. you might try replying to person who needs it.

No, my response was meant for you. You posted a link on how to block/unblock a number from the Verizon website. I was simply pointing out this is not the likely solution to the OP's problem as they have stated their call was being re-directed to voicemail, something which would not happen if a number were blocked via the method you linked. Whether or not you ignore the post is up to you.Smiley Happy

LENNYEDGE
Specialist - Level 2

i need no blocking.

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rcschnoor
Legend

Thanks for stating that fact, however since you never said you needed blocking I don't think anyone assumed you did.Smiley Happy

DukeHazzard
Enthusiast - Level 3

Update 8/19: still getting these same messages, always a slightly different message but always about Coach bags.  I have sent probably a hundred to Verizon security (7266) with no improvement.  I even tried for a while responding with a message letting the owner of that number know it was being used in a scam.  I didn't expect any result from this, just needed an outlet for frustration. 

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DukeHazzard
Enthusiast - Level 3

Update 8/29: Still getting the same Coach bag spam.  It's apparent that I will have to live with these until my Verizon contract runs out.  I'm not even sending them to 7266 anymore because they are deleted and I have no evidence.  Instead I started reporting them to the FTC at ftccomplaintassistant.com.   Maybe a new complaint every day from the same person will cause someone in the federal government will at least take an interest. 

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sprmankalel
Champion - Level 3

What about replying STOP to the messages?

It is not Verizon sending them you so, if you switch, you may have the same issue with another carrier.

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DukeHazzard
Enthusiast - Level 3

Re: sprmankalel: Do you honestly believe I would go to this much trouble, including regular reports to a government agency, if I hadn't already tried "stop"?  I've even tried stop with all manner of colorful language following it.

As for the same issue with another carrier, let me explain more fully.  In order end this frustration it appears I will have to change my phone number of 15 years and in so doing certainly lose contact with some family, friends and colleagues.  If I am forced to that drastic action to alleviate this maddening frustration I will certainly not choose a new number with the same carrier that allowed this to continue unchecked.

If my company were about to lose a 15 year customer because of some Chinese spammer we would find some way to take action but my complaints have only drawn mild interest from Verizon staff looking to mollify me with canned answers I could have found in FAQ.

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