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SMS question

B

boyboyds

Newbie
Hi,

I receive many spam messages.
I do not open them, just delete them.
Because my plan is pay-as-you-go, I am allowed a limited number of messages.
Does my SMS count go down because I receive (but do not open) spam messages.....?

Thanks
 
boyboyds said:
Hi,

I receive many spam messages.
I do not open them, just delete them.
Because my plan is pay-as-you-go, I am allowed a limited number of messages.
Does my SMS count go down because I receive (but do not open) spam messages.....?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Normally you shouldn't be, unless you're international roaming, when you might be charged for receiving SMS.

Suggest you check with your carrier.
 
In any sensible system receiving SMS shouldn't count, only sending. But I can't guarantee if you are in North America, since they charge to receive calls (though I understand the logic there, since they don't have special numbers for cellphones, whereas charging to receive SMS would be a simple rip-off).
 
My provider Tracfone charges me for spam texts, even if the go directly to my block box.
Is there any (hopefully free) app that will prevent these texts reaching my phone.
I want only numbers in my contact list to reach my phone.
If texts reach my phone but go to my block box - I still get charged.
 
boyboyds said:
My provider Tracfone charges me for spam texts, even if the go directly to my block box.
Is there any (hopefully free) app that will prevent these texts reaching my phone.
I want only numbers in my contact list to reach my phone.
If texts reach my phone but go to my block box - I still get charged.
Click to expand...

As it's your carrier(Tracfone), who's actually sending(and charging) the spam texts to your phone from their network, I don't think any app on its own can fix it.. The fact you're been charged just for receiving texts, I guess that's a strictly US thing, like you can be charged for receiving incoming calls, including junk calls? Think you definitely need to sort it out with Tracfone customer service.

FWIW I used to be charged for receiving calls and texts, including spam, if I went to a different city or province, because it was classed by China Mobile as roaming(not international roaming). But since I changed carrier and went to a national(and international) contract, that no longer happens.
 
I spoked with their Customer Service and was told that any text coming to my phone is legit.
The biggest issue with these spam texts come in bulk - 20, 30, 50 at a time.
In just a few days my entire text reserve is wiped out.
This forces me to buy their unlimited program......and I do not want it, I rarely use my phone.
 
Are the spam texts coming from the same number, or a small set of numbers?

Some carriers allow you to block texts from certain numbers at the network level, so they never reach your phone and you wouldn't be charged. Check if Tracfone has this feature.

I found this for blocking calls, not sure it it works with texts:
https://support.tracfone.com/expresshelp/1650381
 
Thank you Kate.
I am afraid to block these numbers because then I have no clue how many texts I am losing.
One time I got a text from a single number and it had 80 messages inside.
These spams started coming 3 months ago - and it is a disaster, I am losing my text reserves very rapidly.
And it costs me money.
 
boyboyds said:
I am afraid to block these numbers because then I have no clue how many texts I am losing.
Click to expand...
If the spam numbers are blocked at the network level then you wont be charged.

For example, when Sprint was around you could completely block a number from texting you by sending a text to 9999 saying "BLOCK 123456789" and that number could no longer text you. The text wouldn't be hidden or sent to a block box, you would never receive it.

If Tracfone has something similar it might be worth using.
 
They cannot block anything at the network level.
But I think I found a simple solution - I will change my number tomorrow.
This should work, I should have thought of this right away.
There is some inconvenience in taking this road for obvious reasons - but it is OK.

Thank you for all your replies, I appreciate them all.

-BBDS
 
boyboyds said:
They cannot block anything at the network level.
But I think I found a simple solution - I will change my number tomorrow.
This should work, I should have thought of this right away.
There is some inconvenience in taking this road for obvious reasons - but it is OK.

Thank you for all your replies, I appreciate them all.

-BBDS
Click to expand...

Will they not also charge you money to change phone numbers?

The carriers are complicit in these spam calls and texts.
That is why it will never stop.

The idea that people are being charged to receive such tripe is confirmation in the carriers' part in the spam.
 
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