Spam messages are usually marketing messages that are sent to you without you requesting them. The people who send these messages may be trying to access your personal information, sell you a premium rate service or encourage you to contact them so that you can be referred to another company that will try to sell you something.
Legitimate marketing messages will usually be received from a company that you recognise because in the past you've asked to receive their messages or used a service from them.
At SMARTY, we're dedicated to protecting you from spam text messages and calls. If you believe that you've received one, follow these steps:
Check the type of message.
If you've received the message from a mobile phone number or any other untrustworthy source, we recommend that you don't respond to the message in any way.
If the message is about accident insurance claims, we strongly recommend that you don't respond to these messages in any way and that you report them to us immediately.
Report it to us.
Report the message to us by:
Forwarding the unwanted message free of charge to 37726 or 7726.
Forwarding the number of the person who sent you the message free of charge to 37726 or 7726.
If you're worried about the spam messages you've received, you can report your message to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) who will be able to help you.
You can also report spam or nuisance calls in a similar way:
Text CALL to 37726 or 7726. Include the number of the nuisance dialler.
When you make a report, you should include:
the time and date you received the message
the content of the message.
It may not be possible for the ICO to follow up individual complaints if you haven't got any details about the company.