Published on: September 19, 2024 | By: @rprasanth_kumar
SMS spam refers to unwanted text messages, typically designed to trick recipients into calling premium-rate numbers starting with 089, 081, or 082, often under the pretext of winning a lottery or prize. They can also have links to unwanted websites scamming people, by imitating a tax payment or driving fine.
These scams are often fraudulent, but not all unsolicited SMS messages are attempts to defraud; some may be commercial offers. Many companies allow recipients to opt-out by replying with “STOP” to cease receiving these messages.
Summary
- What is SMS Spam? Unwanted text messages designed to trick users into calling premium-rate numbers or clicking an url.
- How to report SMS Spam? Forward the message to 33700 to block and report it.
- What happens after reporting? Carriers can block spam numbers and, in serious cases, involve law enforcement.
- Continued Spam: Resolution may take time; mobile apps may help block persistent spam.
Examples of Spam SMS
Some common examples of SMS spams. Do not click on any website links in these type of messages.
ANТAI-Infо: Vous avez une contrаvеntion imраyéе d’un montant de 35€, dernier rappel avant majoration. Référence du dossier : 208581 Consultez votre dossier d’infrаctiоn via: https://tinyurl.com/
How to Report and Block SMS Spam?
To block unwanted SMS messages, you can forward them to the number 33700, which is dedicated to reporting SMS spam. Ensure you don’t add any comments when forwarding the message for proper processing.
When you report an SMS spam to 33700, the spam message is forwarded to the mobile carrier of the number that sent the message, as well as to your mobile operator. They may take actions such as:
- Blocking the premium-rate number that the spam SMS prompts you to contact.
- Blocking the number used to send the spam (typically starting with 06, 07, +336, or +337).
In serious cases, the police may be involved to investigate further. The more reports received, the more effectively mobile carriers can combat SMS spams.
Reporting is free for customers of major mobile providers like Bouygues Telecom, Orange, SFR, NRJ Mobile, Crédit Mutuel Mobile, and others. For other operators, it may be charged as a standard SMS.
Steps After Reporting
- After sending the message to 33700, you’ll receive a confirmation asking you to reply with the number that sent the spam.
- After providing this information, you’ll receive a final message confirming that your report has been successfully processed.
What If You Continue to Receive SMS Spam?
- Reporting spam does not always have an immediate effect. Action is taken only after multiple reports are received by mobile carriers.
- If spam continues, mobile carriers may take longer to block the offending numbers.
- Some phones and operators also offer apps to block spam messages directly.
Sources & References 📕
