Don't reply 'STOP' to unsolicited text messages. Do this instead

"Spammers and malicious actors inundate us with a steady stream of text messages-often purporting to be from legitimate institutions or companies. Stanching this flow isn't easy. Just as the unwanted emails we receive often tell us that we can simply unsubscribe via the "unsubscribe" link, these text messages explain that we can opt out of future communication simply by replying "STOP." But that's not always a safe way to deal with these unsolicited texts. Here's why-and what you should do instead."

"We've all had it happen. We get a text message pitching us a product or asking for a political donation. At the end of the message, we are politely informed that we can opt out of future text communications either by replying "STOP" directly to the message itself, or texting "STOP" to another number they list. That may be tempting. It ostensibly offers a quick solution to a legitimate annoyance."

Spammers and malicious actors inundate people with text messages that often purport to be from legitimate institutions or companies. Replying "STOP" to unsolicited or spammy texts can confirm that a phone number is active, prompting more messages rather than fewer. Legitimate organizations such as doctors' offices, banks, schools, and political groups will often honor opt-out requests by replying "STOP." Smartphones include built-in features to block or filter nuisance texts without engaging senders. Users should avoid replying to suspicious or unknown senders and instead use device blocking, carrier tools, or reporting mechanisms to reduce unwanted messages.

Read at Fast Company