Why do I receive text messages from an email address?

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iPhone text messages

Everyone with an Android or iOS smartphone has ever received one or more strange text messages from email addresses. The email addresses are composed of a combination of numbers and letters instead of text. You may also notice that your MMS messages go to email instead of the receiver.

These texts unnecessarily fill your inbox and distract you with unimportant message notifications. They may expose you to dangerous malware and viruses. If you are experiencing this problem, this article will explain what these text messages are and what you must do to eliminate them.

Why am I receiving text messages from an email address?

As a smartphone holder, whether Android or iOS, you may have noticed that you are receiving weird text messages from random email addresses. The email addresses are comprised of jumbled letters and numbers. These strange text messages are called spam texts or robotexts.

Robotexts do not come from another user’s mobile phone but from a malicious computer user who sends these texts to numerous network subscribers. If you ever get spam text messages from an email address, do not respond to them. Replying to these spam text messages sends your personal information to them. 

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You should also not click on a text message from an email with a link. Clicking on the link automatically downloads and installs malware on your device. It will then steal your personal information or money from your online banking. 

Is it normal to get texts from random emails?

Yes, it is completely normal to get texts from random emails. Over 120 billion spam messages are sent every day to every network subscriber. Even though you have a good firewall or data security, you cannot evade these robotexts.

The reason why you are receiving spam texts is that hackers are trying to breach your personal information. They may receive this information when you click or open the spam messages. Unfortunately, once they have breached your information, there is no way of recovering it. 

How to detect a spam text message

The following are ways in which you can recognize a spam text message:

  • If the text message has a link to click on.
  • It contains bad grammar or spelling errors.
  • The message contains a sense of urgency.
  • You do not recognize the email address.
  • The message requests for your personal information or asks for money.

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How to stop text messages from an email address

Since these spam messages are annoying and harmful to your device, you need to find a way to avoid or block or stop them.

Ignore the spam texts

We have highlighted above the characteristics of spam text. Most of them tell you to send STOP to stop receiving the text messages, but you shouldn’t do it. It will give the hackers access to your phone and personal information.

Filter spam messages

Most text messages in iOS and Android phones have a filter feature that hides potential text messages from actual important messages. Here is how you filter spam messages on an iOS device:

  • Tap on Settings.
  • Tap on Messages.
  • Scroll down the Message menu and turn on the toggle next to Filter Unknown Senders.

For an Android device:

  • Launch the Messaging app.
  • Go to the three dots icon on the top right side of the screen.
  • Tap on Settings.
  • Tap on Spam Protection.
  • Turn on Enable spam protection. 

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Block spam messages

Alternatively, if you wish to eliminate the frequent spam messages, you can block them from your phone. Below is a procedure on how to block spam texts on Android:

  • Launch the Messages app.
  • Go to the three dots icon on the top right corner.
  • On the drop-down menu, tap on Block Number.
  • Next, select the spam message you want to block and tap on Done.

For an iOS device:

  • Open the iMessage app.
  • Open the spam message.
  • Tap on the user icon button at the top of the page.
  • Tap on info. Another page will appear where you will tap on info again.
  • Tap on Block Caller.

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