Navigating Around Spam Texts and Emails 

Phone calls aren’t the only method that scammers use to take advantage of others. Text messages and emails are methods they use to passively scam victims as well.  

Below are some helpful tips to avoid spam texts and emails: 

• Don’t click on any links. When clicking a link, you could unknowingly give the scammer access to your device and any information in it.  
• If you are going to click a link, ensure that you’re expecting one to come or it’s coming from a reliable source. Some examples include newsletters you’ve signed up for or links to book a doctor’s appointment. 
• Unsubscribe from unwanted emails and their sender. If you’ve attended an event, for example, and purchased something through a credit or debit card there, they will have access to the email on file. You will then receive their promotional emails which can be unsubscribed from. You can block them if they keep coming as well. 
• Block email addresses that you’re not familiar with, block emails that show signs of scams. Like an email stating that you’ve won something for example.  
• Upon receiving a spam text, your phone should give you an option to delete it and report as spam. 
• See if your phone has any options to highlight calls, emails, or text messages as potential spam. Which could make it easier for you in identifying them. 

To report suspected scams or fraud, call the Federal Trade Commission at   
(877)-382-4357, from 9 AM-5 PM ET. Or visit  reportfraud.ftc.gov

If you are interested in learning more about protecting yourself against Identity theft-related scams, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408)-350-3200, option 1.