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How to Prevent Different Types of Scamming

TEXTING SCAMS · MONEY SCAMS · GENERAL

Screenshot 2026-05-20 at 5.48.15 PM.png

Preventing Scams to your Mobile Device

An important step to take before you even experience any scams or messages to your mobile device is to add your phone number to this website: https://www.donotcall.gov/; it's free and takes just a minute to sign up. If you do this, scammers are not allowed to call you. You can also report spam or illegal calls on this site. 
 

A solid solution to stop the scam texts and calls is to mark it as spam. This allows your phone to block or silence the number on your device. Then future texts might skip your regular inbox, and calls often go straight to voicemail or are muted. If enough people flag the same number, your phone will mark it as potential spam, might block the number, and improve future spam detection.

 

However, this isn't always as effective because spammers are quite smart and change numbers often, and new scam campaigns pop up all the time. That’s why spam never completely goes away. 

 

The best thing to do if you get a spam text is to forward a text to 7726 (which spells out SPAM). If enough people flag the number, it will be blocked for everyone, not just you. This will stop the scams for everyone. 

How to forward a spam text to 7726 on iPhone

  1. Open the Messages app

  2. Tap and hold the spam message

  3. Tap “More…”

  4. Select the message, then tap the arrow (forward icon)

  5. Enter 7726 as the contact

  6. Send it

 

After you send it, your carrier might text back asking for the phone number that sent the spam then just copy and send that number.

How to forward a spam text to 7726 on Android

  1. Open your Messages app

  2. Tap and hold the spam message

  3. Tap the 3 dots (menu) or “Forward”

  4. Choose Forward

  5. Enter 7726

  6. Send it

What you shouldn't do is reply to spam texts, even if you're saying STOP. This allows the scammer to learn your number is real. Then your number can get sold to other spammers and then you will be getting even more unwanted texts.

 

The four step rules to avoid scams coming through your mobile device: 

  1. Do NOT tap any links.

  2. Do NOT reply to the message.

  3. Forward the text to 7726.

  4. Mark it as spam and delete it.

https://www.wrdw.com/2026/02/05/what-tech-how-often-do-people-get-spam-texts-calls/

 

You should also not answer phone calls from unknown numbers.


If someone sends you a text that you're not sure if it's real or not, you should contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real. Not the information in the text message.

Preventing Money and Wire-related Scams

Never send money via gift card or wire transfer to someone you have never met face-to-face. Oftentimes, if you do so, your money cannot be traced and you will probably never see it again! Never pay for something using a method you do not recognize. Scammers set up online “carts” that look real, but are often created just to steal and store your information. 

 

You should never click on links or open attachments from emails you did not expect. They can install harmful software and steal your information. If it looks suspicious you should delete it. 

 

Before buying something online, make sure the website is secure. Look for “https://” in front of your URL (and possibly a lock icon right in front of the URL ), and double-check you’re on the correct website.

Preventing Scams in General

Be careful with people you meet online. Scammers may pretend to be friends to gain your trust. 

 

Never share personal information with someone who contacts you out of nowhere.

Do not rush into decisions. Scammers try to pressure you to act quickly so you don’t think it through. Take your time and ask someone you trust.

 

When possible, work with local and trusted businesses. Make sure they have proper identification and credentials.

 

https://www.thecsb.com/10-steps-to-avoid-scams/

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