Guide to blocking, reporting spam text for iOS, Android users in the Philippines

While telcos may be doing their part to stop spam texts, there are also easy ways for users to protect themselves from such scams.

Sample of text scams

Steps to take vs spam texts

May you are an iOS or Android user, there is a very accessible way for you to block those unwanted text messages.

For iPhone users who have updated to iOS 16, here are the ways how you can activate your wall of protection.

1. Tap the Messages app
2. Select the conversation from the text spam then tap the name or number at the top of the conversation
3. Tap info then scroll down until you see Block this Caller

To view and manage your block list:

• Go to Settings
• Tap Messages
• Tap Blocked Contacts

In your iPhone, you can also filter messages from unknown senders. Through this, you also will not get notifications from them.

• Go to Settings
• Tap Message
• Go to Message Filtering
• Turn on Filter Unknown Senders

When this is activated, you can access unknown contacts through Unknown Senders under the Filters folder.

In iMessage, spam messages can be reported to Apple:

• In the Messages app, press and hold the message
• Tap Report Junk

Or:

If you have opened the message and the person is unlisted in your contacts, scroll to the bottom and then tap Report Junk

Tap Delete and Report Junk

The sender's information and message are sent to Apple. However, note that reporting junk or spam does not prevent the sender from sending messages. Blocking still has to be done.

For Android users, here is a step-by-step guide to filter spam messages according to Tom’s Guide:

• Open the Google Messages app, then tap the three dots at the upper right corner
• Tap Spam protection
• Turn on Enable spam protection

Note that this only works using Google Messages which is immediately available on Pixel devices. If using other Android phones, download the Google Messages app.

To block spam texts:

• Open the spam text then tap the three dots on the upper right
• Tap Add the blocklist

Android users can also report these unwanted messages directly to telcos or authorities.

For other ways how you can protect yourself against text scammers, know more here.

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