Save up to 74%
Subscribe to Kiplinger
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
New scam text message rules from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) require carriers to block texts from bad numbers and protect consumers.
Scam text messages were a big part of the $8.8 billion consumers lost to fraud in 2022 — an alarming 30% jump from 2021’s total of $6.1 billion. Anyone who’s ever gotten an “urgent” message from an unknown number knows the growing scourge presented by text fraud. Now the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is taking important steps to address the nationwide problem.
According to the FCC, consumer complaints about text message scams have multiplied by 500% in only a few years. And robotext complaints rose from around 3,300 in 2015 to 18,900 per year in 2022.
Robotexts pose a unique threat to consumers. You can’t just ignore scam text messages as you can with robocalls. Scam texts are almost always read right away when you receive them. Robotexts can spread links to malware sites or to phishing sites, which then can allow criminals to access sensitive data on your phone.
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more – straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice – straight to your e-mail.
This practice of “smishing” (SMS phishing — one of the most common scams) is a big problem for the IRS at tax time. Former IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig called out the practice, saying, “This is phishing on an industrial scale so thousands of people can be at risk of receiving these scam messages. The IRS has reported multiple large-scale smishing campaigns that have delivered thousands — and even hundreds of thousands — of IRS-themed messages in hours or a few days, far exceeding previous levels of activity.”
Call-blocking app Robokiller reported that Americans received 15.6 billion spam texts in September 2022 alone. That’s nearly 57 spam texts for every person in the United States. As the company sums up the problem, “If there’s one thing you need to know about scammers, it’s this: They’d rather text than call you. Spam texts are the new spam call.”
Spam texts are the new spam call.
The FCC’s new order, adopted on March 16th, requires wireless carriers to block text messages originating from phone numbers that don’t normally transmit text messages. This includes unused or unallocated numbers. This extends to numbers that the registered user has set to “never send texts”, along with government agency-registered numbers that those agencies specify should never send texts.
A second rule requires each provider to establish a point of contact for every number sending a text so that users can inquire about the source of potential spam texts.
The order also opens a public comment period on the following proposals:
Wondering how a text scam plays out? Here are four examples of scenarios to avoid:
The FCC recommends that consumers take steps to protect themselves from text scams. First, do not interact in any way with suspicious texts, including clicking links or giving personal information. If you suspect a scam is/has taken place you can file a complaint with the FCC. Forward all unsolicited, suspicious texts to SPAM (7726). You should then delete the texts.
The wireless industry website, CTIA.org, lists a number of options from cellular providers and third parties. Major wireless providers offer various tools and solutions that you can engage or may be built into your device to block or flag calls: AT&T Call Protect; Verizon Call Filter; T-Mobile Scam ID, Scam Block, Name ID; and U.S. Cellular Call Guardian.
Finally, if you think you have been scammed, it’s always worth considering updating your phone operating system, security apps and anti-malware software.
Ben Demers manages digital content and engagement at Kiplinger, informing readers through a range of personal finance articles, e-newsletters, social media, syndicated content, and videos. He is passionate about helping people lead their best lives through sound financial behavior, particularly saving money at home and avoiding scams and identity theft. Ben graduated with an M.P.S. from Georgetown University and a B.A. from Vassar College. He joined Kiplinger in May 2017.
The latest inflation data has all but guaranteed the Fed will hold interest rates steady for the time being.
By Karee Venema • Published
If you’ve ever had difficulty getting incorrect information removed from your credit report, you’ve got plenty of company.
By Sandra Block • Published
Scams A new tax scam on social media advises lying on your W-2 to falsely claim credits and bigger refunds.
By Ben Demers • Published
Fake Disney Plus billing messages enable scammers to access your bank account and drain your funds.
By Ben Demers • Published
Buying & Leasing a Car In the wake of Hurricane Ian, more flood-damaged cars may hit the market. Car prices may rise further because of increased demand as well.
By Bob Niedt • Last updated
Scams Adult children worried about their parents’ ability to spot and avoid fraud have several options to help protect them, including a durable power of attorney, a guardianship and a revocable trust. Which might be best for your family?
By James J. Ferraro, JD • Published
Scams Financial professionals share their top tips to help avoid becoming a statistic in a summertime wave of identity theft, account hacks and telemarketing fraud.
By Pam Krueger • Published
Scams Be wary of falling in love online. And parting with your money.
By Elaine Silvestrini • Last updated
Scams Products may be in short supply, but potential thieves are not. Be “scam smart” to keep your holiday happy.
By Elaine Silvestrini • Published
Scams Help is needed, and getting it there quickly matters, but make sure your well-intentioned charity doesn’t end up in the wrong pockets.
By Sandra Block • Published
Kiplinger is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.