Illinois Cell Phone Users Are Getting a Bizarre Text And You Should NOT Click The Link

Will there ever be a day when spam messages stop being a thing? First, it was people calling your home pretending to be a charity asking for "donations" then they started sneaking into our emails and instant messages. Fast forward to the smartphone era, now they've made their way into our text messages on our phones.

How Do They Get Our Numbers?

There are many ways these slimeballs are getting our digits.

• You're a registered voter.
• You've applied for a loan.
• You've included your # when entering a contest. (Note: Radio stations do not give your numbers to outside companies, it's illegal.)
• And more.

REAL Examples Of Cellular Spam

The "interested in a job" spam.

The "what the #$%^ is that" jumbled non-existent link approach.

Another "need a job" text but with poor grammar.

And a "back-to-back" approach. (Calm down, "Nelson.")

There is a way to report SPAM texts but first, over the past week or so some people have received a bizarre message. These texts come from faux-Verizon and "confirm" you've paid your bill for the month and as "thank you" there is a "little gift" waiting for you.

What is most bizarre is the text appears to come from YOUR phone number. How is this even possible? Shouldn't Verizon have some sort of technology that doesn't allow this? If you have received or do receive this text do not click the link!

"How Do I Report A Spam Text?"

All smartphone users can report those stupid spam messages by copying the message and forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM), per the FTC.