Stopping Spam Effectively
In an age of instant communication, the very tools designed to make our lives easier—text messages, emails, and phone calls—have become avenues for an onslaught of unsolicited, and often malicious, spam. From robocalls offering phony health insurance to text messages impersonating delivery services, spam is not just a daily annoyance but a serious financial threat. In 2024 alone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that Americans lost nearly $500 million to text scams alone, highlighting the urgent need for better awareness and protective measures.
So, what can you do to shield yourself from this digital menace? NBC’s Brian Cheung joined the TODAY show to break down the different types of spam, explain how to identify them, and most importantly, how to stop them before they hit your inbox or phone.
Understanding the Scope of Spam
Spam comes in many forms. It may arrive as:
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Robocalls pretending to be from Social Security or the IRS
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Emails offering unrealistic rewards or warning of suspicious account activity
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Texts claiming you’ve missed a package or need to verify a bank account
The scammers behind these messages rely on panic, curiosity, or urgency to trick people into clicking malicious links, revealing personal information, or even transferring money. And with advances in AI and spoofing technology, their tactics are more convincing than ever.
The Financial Impact of Spam
According to the FTC’s 2024 data:
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Over 321,000 complaints were filed about scam texts alone.
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Victims lost an average of $980 per incident.
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Seniors and young adults were the most targeted demographics, often through fake job offers, phishing bank texts, or romance scams.
Cheung notes, “What’s troubling is how fast these scams escalate. One click on a link, and suddenly malware is installed, or you’ve given away your bank credentials without realizing it.”
How to Spot a Scam Before It Happens
The first defense is awareness. Here are red flags that an incoming message may be a scam:
Text Messages and Emails:
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Unfamiliar phone numbers or email addresses
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Urgent language: “Act now,” “Your account is suspended,” or “We need immediate verification”
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Misspellings and awkward grammar
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Links that don’t match the supposed company’s website
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Requests for personal information like passwords or Social Security numbers
Phone Calls:
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Robotic or pre-recorded voice
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Caller ID spoofing (calls appear to come from legitimate numbers)
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Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
“Legitimate organizations won’t ask you to verify your identity over text or request personal information via email,” Cheung emphasizes.
What to Do If You Get a Suspicious Message
If you suspect spam, here are steps to take immediately:
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Do not respond, click links, or open attachments.
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Report the message:
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Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) on most carriers.
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Report emails to [email protected] or flag them as spam in your email client.
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File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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Block the sender on your phone or email platform.
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Delete the message to prevent accidental engagement later.
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Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity if you’ve clicked or replied.
How to Stop Spam Before It Reaches You
Blocking spam before it ever arrives requires a combination of smart tools and proactive habits:
1. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
Go to donotcall.gov to add your number to the FTC’s list. While it won’t stop all calls (especially from scammers who ignore the law), it can reduce the volume of legitimate telemarketing calls.
2. Use Built-In Spam Filters
Most email platforms (like Gmail or Outlook) have spam filters that learn over time. Marking messages as spam helps the system improve. Similarly, iOS and Android allow you to silence unknown callers and flag suspicious texts.
3. Install Call and Text Filtering Apps
Apps like Hiya, RoboKiller, Truecaller, and Nomorobo identify and block known spam numbers. Some even answer robocalls with fake messages to waste scammers’ time.
4. Protect Your Personal Data
Don’t share your phone number or email address unnecessarily. Avoid posting them on public websites and be cautious with online forms.
5. Use a Secondary Email
Create a separate email address for online shopping, newsletters, or sign-ups. This keeps your primary inbox cleaner and more secure.
What If You’ve Already Been Scammed?
If you’ve fallen victim:
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Contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
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Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
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Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to prevent fraud.
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Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan.
Final Thoughts: Stay One Step Ahead
Spam is evolving, but so are the tools to fight it. As Cheung said on TODAY, “Awareness and vigilance are your best weapons. You can’t stop every attempt, but you can stop yourself from becoming a victim.”
Stay skeptical of unknown senders, scrutinize every message, and use technology to your advantage. In a world where our inboxes and phones are always buzzing, a little caution can save a lot of money—and stress.
