When Political Spam Won’t Leave You Alone

If you've ever glanced at your phone only to find a flood of unwanted texts from a group you've never even heard of, much less joined, you know you’re not alone. One frustrated consumer recently shared that they’d received more than 30 text messages from a political organization demanding money and pushing for a “membership renewal.” 

 

Despite never having signed up, the texts kept coming from different numbers, making blocking feel like a losing game.

 

Sound familiar? Unfortunately, as political campaigns and third-party interest groups ramp up during every election cycle, unsolicited text messages have become a common annoyance. Unfortunately, in some cases, they may also become a security risk.

As political campaigns ramp up every election cycle, being bombarded with unsolicited messages have become a common annoyance, and a security risk..  (iStock)

Why You're Getting These Texts (Even If You Never Opted In)

Political groups are often exempt from certain privacy laws that apply to commercial spam, allowing them to send mass texts under specific conditions. Some groups purchase contact lists from data brokers or scrape numbers from online forms. Other times, your number may have been used fraudulently or entered in error.

 

Once you're on a list, it can be hard to get off. Especially when messages come from rotating “spoofed” numbers designed to evade blocks.

So, what can you do to make them stop?

Effective Ways to Stop Spam Texts

While you may not be able to shut them down completely, there are solid strategies to at least reduce, if not fully eliminate, the flood of unwanted messages.

1. Use Built-In Text Filters on Your Smartphone

Most modern smartphones come with settings that allow you to filter out messages from unknown senders:

  • iPhones: Go to Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders
  • Android devices (varies by model): Look for spam protection under Messages > Settings > Spam Protection. 

Keep in mind, though, that these filters are broad. They may also catch important messages from your doctor, bank, or delivery services, so make sure to check the “filtered” folder occasionally.

2. Leverage Your Wireless Carrier’s Tools

Major carriers are stepping up their spam-fighting game:

These services often include spam text filtering, number blocking, and even the ability to report suspicious messages. Many are free, but advanced features may come with a small monthly fee.

3. Do Not Engage

As tempting as it might be to reply “STOP,” engaging with spam texts can backfire. Responding confirms your number is active, which only increases your value to spammers and scammers. Similarly, avoid clicking on any links. If you do, you might just wind up on another contact list. Worse than that, you could be led right into phishing scams or malware downloads.

Once you're on a list, it can be hard to get off. Especially when messages come from rotating “spoofed” numbers designed to evade blocks.(iStock)

Don’t Just Block It -- Report It!

Blocking spam numbers one by one is exhausting and mostly ineffective, especially since spam texts often rotate through hundreds of numbers. Instead, take a proactive approach:

  • Report spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) – This works with most major carriers and helps them track and shut down spam operations.
  • File a complaint with the FCC or FTC if you believe the texts violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

The Bigger Picture: Your Phone Number as Digital Real Estate

Your phone number is more than just a contact method, it’s a piece of your digital identity. And like your email address or social security number, it can be bought, sold, and exploited. That’s why it’s crucial to protect it.

 

Be cautious when sharing your number online. Avoid entering it in sweepstakes, giveaways, or unfamiliar websites unless you trust the source. The fewer lists your number ends up on, the less likely you are to get bombarded with spam in the future.

What If Nothing Works?

In extreme cases where spam becomes relentless, some consumers have gone as far as changing their phone number. While that’s clearly not ideal, it’s a last resort if the harassment becomes unmanageable. If you go this route, make sure to notify your contacts privately and take extra precautions with the new number to avoid ending up in the same situation.

Final Thoughts

Unwanted political texts may feel invasive, and they certainly test our patience. But with a few practical tools and a bit of digital hygiene, you can take back some control.

 

Are you using all the features your phone or carrier offers to block spam? And how careful are you with where you share your phone number?

 

Keeping your digital footprint small, and smart, can go a long way.