how to avoid these spam messages and calls from unknown numbers

13 comments
  1. Is there a reason why this seems to be happening much more recently?

    Never had something like this but in the last 2/3 months is getting out of hands how many I receive on a weekly basis.

  2. I’m using Google’s Messenger app on Android, and it automatically blocks these kind of spams

  3. funny solution: You need a metal bowl and a wooden spoon. You accept the call, place the Phone on a table and the bowl over the phone. Then you smack the devil out of the bowl with the spoon. They won’t call twice.

    Serious solution (probably try first, second and third) block these numbers in the phone

  4. I have the same problem. I’m getting at least one of those per day since about a week, from various numbers so blocking doesn’t help.

    I think the random symbols in the texts are meant to disturb googles search formatting, so you have a harder time googling for spam information.

    I researched the issue. On IOS there seems to be a possibility to block sms from unknown numbers (not sure though), but if you are using android, like me, you have to install an app to get that functionality.
    The one that was recommended the most was “calls blacklist”, but I didn’t do any deeper research on it, and it must need a lot of permissions so handle this recommendation with care!

    The only other advise I was able to get, is reporting the numbers on the official government page, and/or getting a new number.

    If someone knows more, has a better app to block sms from unknown numbers, or has a better advise, I would very much appreciate it.

    I really don’t want to switch my number. I got it since forever…

    Edit: at the risk of stating the obvious – if you clicked on any of those links, run a deep diving security check of your phone, or even better, reset your device to factory settings. There is a good chance, that your phone is compromised with malware.
    [source in german](https://www.netzwelt.de/news/185459-paket-wurde-verschickt-vorsicht-sms-update071221.html)

    [source in english](https://news.vodafone.co.nz/flubot)

  5. There’s no way to dodge them, you can only block them once you get them. They are phone numbers from people that fell for the scam.

  6. I really wonder who sells your information to these scammers. Like they need to get your phonenumber from somewhere right?

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