Blocking Presidential Texts: A Step-By-Step Guide To Peace And Quiet

how to block presidential texts

During election season, it is common to receive an influx of campaign-related text messages. While these messages are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry, there are still ways to reduce the number of unwanted texts you receive. One way is to use your phone's built-in blocking features or third-party apps to block specific numbers. You can also report spam texts by forwarding them to your mobile carrier or using the 'report junk' option. Additionally, you can revoke consent by replying STOP or similar keywords to the sender. Being discerning about giving out your information and avoiding clicking on links in unsolicited texts are also important measures to reduce unwanted messages.

How to Block Presidential Texts

Characteristics Values
Block a number Tap the phone number at the top of the screen and then tap the Info button. Then, select Block this Caller > Block Contact to confirm.
Block on Android Open the text and tap the three-dot icon in the upper right. Select the Block number option or select Details > Block & report spam.
Report a robotext Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM).
Block spam on Android Disable all potential spam messages from Google's Messages app.
Carrier-based blocking Verizon’s Call Filter, T-Mobile's Scam Shield, and AT&T's ActiveArmor are some examples of carrier-based blocking tools.
Third-party apps Robokiller, NoMoRobo, and Truecaller are some apps that can be used to block spam texts.
Report fraud attempts File a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Opt-out Reply with STOP, STOPALL, ENDALL, or CANCEL to opt out of receiving further messages.
Do Not Call Registry Register your phone number with the Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call registry.

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Block spam texts by reporting them to your mobile carrier

If you're tired of receiving spam texts, there are several ways to address the issue. Firstly, you can block the number that's sending the messages. On an iPhone, open the text message, tap the phone number at the top of the screen, and then tap the "Info" button. Finally, select "Block this Caller" and then "Block Contact" to confirm. On an Android phone, open the text and tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner. From there, you can either select the "Block number" option or choose "Details" followed by "Block & Report Spam".

However, blocking individual numbers may not always be effective, as spammers often use multiple or spoofed phone numbers. In such cases, it's advisable to report spam texts to your mobile carrier. By doing so, you can provide them with information to help block future spam messages. Most major carriers offer call-blocking services or plans that enable you to block unknown numbers.

To report a spam text, you can forward the message to your carrier's spam reporting number. In the United States, this number is often 7726, which conveniently spells out "SPAM" on a standard alphanumeric keypad. This method works for major carriers such as AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile. By forwarding the spam text to this number, your carrier can investigate the issue and take action against spammers.

Additionally, you can explore third-party text-scam blocker apps and services that may work with your carrier's wireless service. Some examples of third-party apps include Robokiller and NoMoRobo, which can provide an extra layer of protection against unwanted messages.

It's important to note that responding to spam messages is not recommended, as it confirms to the sender that your number is active. This may lead to an increase in junk messages or even the dissemination of your phone number to other spammers. Therefore, blocking and reporting spam texts to your carrier is a more effective strategy to address the issue.

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Block numbers on an iPhone

If you're receiving unwanted calls or messages on your iPhone, you can block the number in question to prevent further contact. Here's how to block a number on your iPhone:

Blocking a Number in the Phone App

  • Open the Phone app.
  • Tap "Favorites", "Recents", or "Voicemail".
  • Tap the Info icon next to the contact you wish to block.
  • Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller", then tap "Block Contact".

Blocking a Number in the Messages App

  • Open the Messages app.
  • Tap the text conversation you'd like to block.
  • Tap the Contact at the top of the screen.
  • Tap the "Info" button.
  • Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller", then tap "Block Contact".

Blocking a Number in the FaceTime App

  • Open the FaceTime app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Go to your FaceTime call history.
  • Tap the name, phone number, or email address of the contact you want to block.
  • Scroll down, tap "Block this Caller", and then tap "Block Contact".

Blocking a Number in the Mail App

  • Open the Mail app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Select an email message from the sender.
  • Tap their name at the top of the email.
  • Select "Block this Contact", then tap "Block this Contact" again.

Additionally, you can enable the "Filter Unknown Senders" feature in your iPhone's settings to only receive texts from people in your contact list. This can be done by going to Settings > Messages and toggling on the "Filter Unknown Senders" switch.

It's important to note that blocking a contact doesn't notify the person, and you can still call, message, or email a blocked contact without unblocking them. However, if you were sharing your location with them, they will receive a notification that you've stopped sharing your location after blocking them.

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Block numbers on an Android phone

If you're tired of receiving spam texts and unwanted messages, you can block numbers on your Android phone. Here's how:

Blocking Numbers on a Samsung Galaxy Phone:

If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, you can block numbers through the Contacts app or the Phone app.

Using the Contacts App:

  • Open the Contacts app and tap on the contact you want to block.
  • Tap "More" in the menu, then select "Block contact" and confirm by tapping "Block" again.
  • Blocked contacts will remain in your Contacts list but won't be able to reach you.

Using the Phone App:

  • Open the Phone app and tap "More options" (the three vertical dots).
  • Tap "Settings," then tap "Block numbers."
  • Here, you can either turn on the switch for "Block calls from unknown numbers" or add a specific number to block.

Blocking Numbers on Other Android Phones:

The process for blocking numbers on other Android phones may vary slightly depending on your phone model and OS version. Here are some general steps:

Blocking a Number After Receiving a Text:

  • Open the text message thread from the number you want to block.
  • Tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner.
  • From the menu, select "Block number" or "Details" and then "Block & report spam."

Blocking a Number from the People App:

  • Open the People app, which may resemble a person's silhouette.
  • Tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner to open the drop-down menu.
  • Select "Manage contacts," then tap "Blocked contacts."
  • Tap "Add" and enter the number you want to block.
  • Tap "Save," and the number will be added to your block list.

Using Third-Party Apps:

If you can't find a built-in option to block numbers on your Android phone, you can try using third-party apps like "Should I Answer" or "Mr. Number." These apps offer features like blocking calls and custom call screening.

Keep in mind that spammers often change phone numbers, so blocking one number might not stop all spam messages. However, it's still worth taking these steps to reduce unwanted messages and protect your privacy.

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Use a third-party app to block robotexts

If you're tired of receiving endless political text messages, you can enlist the help of a third-party app to block those pesky robotexts. Here's how you can take back control of your inbox:

Robokiller to the Rescue

Robokiller is a popular choice when it comes to blocking unwanted political texts. With its advanced SMS filtering, Robokiller promises to keep your text message inbox free of spammy political messages. The app claims to be 99% effective in stopping spam and unwanted messages. It works by leveraging a global database of known phone scams and audio fingerprints to identify and block political robotexts. Robokiller is available for both iOS and Android devices, so you can download it and start reclaiming your peace of mind.

Textkiller to the Rescue

Textkiller is another third-party app that can help you fight the flood of political text messages. While there isn't much information available about Textkiller, it is mentioned alongside Robokiller as a potential solution for blocking political texts. It's worth checking out and comparing its features with Robokiller to see which one suits your needs better.

Carrier-Specific Solutions

Depending on your mobile carrier, you may have access to built-in spam-blocking features that can help filter out political robotexts. For instance, Verizon offers Call Filter, which blocks robocalls and spam messages. T-Mobile provides Scam Shield, which includes scam and spam detection, blocking, and a caller ID feature for unknown numbers. Meanwhile, AT&T's ActiveArmor can block texts from email addresses, a common source of spam. These carrier-specific solutions might be a good option if you're looking for a more integrated approach to blocking robotexts.

Remember, these third-party apps and carrier solutions can empower you to take charge of your inbox and significantly reduce the number of unwanted political messages invading your privacy.

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Register your phone with the Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call registry

Since 2003, Americans have been able to opt out of receiving most telemarketing calls by putting their phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. The registry is managed and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and state officials. It is a list of phone numbers from consumers who have indicated their preference to limit the telemarketing calls they receive. The registry now has more than 221 million telephone numbers on it, giving consumers peace and quiet from unwanted calls.

There are some exemptions to the Do Not Call rules. Due to limits to the FTC's authority, the registry does not apply to political calls or calls from non-profits and charities. However, the registry does cover telemarketers calling on behalf of charities. Calls from legitimate "survey" organizations are also not covered as they are not offering to sell anything to consumers. Additionally, calls are permitted from companies that the consumer has done or sought to do business with.

To register your phone with the Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call registry, visit www.donotcall.gov. The website is secure and only contains phone numbers, with no other personally identifiable information. A Spanish-language version is also available. It is important to note that campaign-related autodialed or prerecorded voice calls, texts, and prerecorded voice messages are prohibited to cell phones without the called party's prior express consent.

While registering your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry can help reduce unwanted calls, it may not completely stop them. Scammers and spammers may still attempt to contact you, and it is important to be cautious when receiving such calls or texts. If you are still receiving spam texts, you can try blocking the number on your phone or using a third-party app for more robust filtering.

Frequently asked questions

Go to Settings, then Messages and toggle the switch that says "filter unknown senders". You will only receive texts from people in your contact list.

Open the text and tap the three-dot icon in the upper right. From there, either select the "Block number" option or select "Details" and then "Block & report spam".

You can disable all potential spam messages from Google's Messages app.

You can register your phone number with the Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call registry. You can also forward the unwanted text to your mobile carrier by sending it to 7726 (SPAM).

You should be skeptical of any texts, calls, or emails requesting your username or password. Do not click on any links or provide any personal information.

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