Spam Texts From E-Mails
Until a couple of months ago, I had NO idea that emails could even send text messages! I don’t know how that’s done and honestly, I don’t care. If a legitimate company or person wanted to send me an email, they would send it to my email address, no? That’s just what emails are meant for. Anyway, I tried blocking one of the most recent emails the same way you would block a number from sending text messages. Obviously, that didn’t work. Only numbers... 🙃Then, I tried to Google a solution. When I don’t take my meds, a stubborn part of my mind takes over and I let myself go down these rabbit holes that usually waste my time for hours. In this instance, I think it was a pretty productive use of my time. While searching for an answer, I found out that this is an issue that affects all carriers, not just AT&T. What surprised me the most was that it has happened for years, some as early as 2011 & I’m sure there were occurrences even before then. There are many different ways to block text messages. If it’s always the same number or email, you can forward it to 7726, which spells “spam”. The one solution I found most successful for most people was to speak to a representative directly. Specifically, someone in technical support. If you dial 611 (AT&T) the first representative they usually connect you with is someone in billing so it’s important to remember you need tech support. Ok, so after you get a live person, explain your issue. Sure, it’s more efficient to just ask them to look up “Article 446389″ BUT that’s just rude. Being nice goes a long way, especially when dealing with customer service. It takes a little longer, but it’s worth it. The person I spoke with told me he has been working there for over 15 years and his manager, for over 17 years. It would have been so easy for him to tell me I have no idea what I’m talking about and instead learned something that might help other callers in the future. Being nice, even if it’s on the phone, makes the other person (that’s doing YOU a favor) more willing to step out of their comfort zone to help you. 😘
After I explained my problem, I told the guy on the phone how I had been looking for a solution on my own. I wanted him to know that as a last resort, especially for someone that hates talking on the phone, I called him specifically for help. Also, I let him know that most of the solutions I found in different forums, like AT&T Community Forums, CNET, and Reddit, suggested calling and asking the representative to mention “Article 446389″. He put the information he had about the article together with what I explained my problem was and still didn’t know how to help. Blocking texts from emails is not something that customer representatives are familiar with, even seasoned ones. Luckily, the representative I spoke with was committed to helping me find a solution. He put me on hold and went to explain to his manager what I was trying to accomplish. Together, they figured it out and when he came back on the line, the representative was able to help me.
He explained that under “Torch” he went over to “Mind”, found the email section and an option to block texts from emails. The representative patiently explained what he did since I asked him to in order to help others solve the same problem. Unfortunately, my mind started wandering and most of it sounded like static to me 😞😖Still, I hope this information helps at least one other person. It sucks we have to find difficult ways to block spammers in all their slimy forms.
My hope for the future is that my children will not be bombarded every second by sneaky spammers and these types of scams will become obsolete. Don’t even get me started on those handwritten signs wanting to sell your house or teach you to become a “realtor” littering every street in town... jeez... yes, I hate those guys the most (future article).