Spammers continue to innovate but Verizon is up to the task
Text messages are the most common means of spam, though spam calls and emails are increasing as well. But text messages are also a widely used means of communication. Not just among individuals but also among organizations trying to reach their consumers. As such, Verizon and all other wireless service providers out there have a tough task in hand to filter out the bad while ensuring the good reach the customers. To that end, Verizon has several strict measures in place. On top of the industry guidelines, the carrier also requires organizations to obtain prior consent to send text messages to their customers. It requires them to honor opt-out requests as well. However, threat actors continue to innovate and introduce new spam campaigns. While Verizon is up to the task most of the time with its security measures, some messages still slip through. The company encourages users to actively report spam messages so it can take action and better prepare itself against such spam campaigns. You can report a message by simply forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM) from your phone. Make sure to never respond or click on unknown links received through messages.
Spam robocalls are on the rise too
As said earlier, spam calls are also increasing. Verizon has various measures against those as well, such as Call Filter. Along with STIR/SHAKEN Caller ID verification and other protective tools, the company identified or blocked 2.5 billion unwanted calls directed toward its wireless customers between May and June this year. Additionally, Verizon also protects more than three million Fios voice customers from robocalls every day. It identifies and labels 1.2 million verified calls and 85 thousand spam calls daily. Going forward, Verizon says Call Filter will enable users to identify if an unknown incoming call is from a genuine organization with labels such as health care or public service. As such, they can make informed decisions regarding whether or not to take the call. “Spam text and robocall prevention efforts build on the company’s network-as-a-service foundation and support core areas of growth and innovation across mobility,” Verizon said in its press release.
